Finding Broncos: David Ojabo | Edge | Michigan

Finding Broncos scouts the 2022 NFL Draft with a top edge rusher who will fall due to an injury at his pro day.

Measurements

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 250 pounds
• Arms: 33-1/2 inches
• Hands: 9 inches

Combine Results

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.55 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 35 inches
• Broad Jump: 122 inches
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.45 seconds

Stats

Pros

• Has the drive to improve his game and made strides as the season progressed. 
• Has great speed and pursuit burst. 
• When he gets near the QB, the sack isn't enough — he looks to take the football away. 
• Attacks as a pass rusher in a way that is hard to figure out. 
• Works his way to the ball and keeps his eyes in the backfield. 
• Has excellent fluidity that can make him slippery as a pass rusher. 
• Has a sound spin move — in either direction. 
• Can change his speed as a pass rusher 
• Has a sudden-attack burst to catch tackles off-guard. 
• Has a good bend to get under tackles. 
• Fantastic closing speed.  
• Doesn't get lost in the trash when working outside runs. 
• Has a quick step to counter inside. 
• Can attack the inside gaps by quickly crossing guards' faces. 

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Cons

• Tore his Achilles during his pro day, which will drop him from the early first round. 
• Needs to improve his ability to shed blocks. 
• Limited experience in college with just over 600 total snaps. 
• Doesn't have the strength at the point of attack, which could be a liability against the run.
• His play recognition is, understandably, under-developed, as are his instincts. 
• Has to improve his ability to find the lane through zone blocks. 
• Was pulled from the field often when it came to playing against the run. 
• Needs stronger hands and better hand technique with his counters. 
• Still needs work on his frame and build. 
• Hit or miss positioning. 
• Doesn't know how to chain moves together. 
• Clunky going from move to move. 
• How much of his success was due to playing opposite of projected No. 1 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson?

Overview

David Ojabo is a high-upside pass rusher that needs to improve in multiple areas for the NFL game. The injury he suffered at his pro day will drop him from being a projected top-20 pick to a top-50 pick. He has so much speed and athleticism for teams to work with but there is a concern that he won't be the same after the injury. 

With Ojabo's limited experience, his time away recovering from injury could be devastating. He needed the time to practice and develop, and now he will have no impact this season. Ojabo's value comes down to what he would bring to the team in 2023. 

Fit with Broncos

With his injury, there is a chance Ojabo could fall to the Denver Broncos with the 64th overall pick. However, the Broncos need more immediate-impact players with Russell Wilson in town. Denver isn't in a position to essentially punt on a pick until 2023. 

On top of that, there are already injury concerns at the edge position with Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. It just isn't a risk the Broncos can afford to take. Denver has its franchise quarterback, and the Super Bowl window is open. If the Broncos didn't have Wilson, the prospect of drafting an injured Ojabo would be different. 

There are no questions about his scheme fit, but the injury history of the other players already on roster isn't great. Even with the injury, it seems doubtful Ojabo falls to the 64th overall pick. 

Grade: Mid-Round 2 (due to injury)

Where he Goes: Late Round 1/Early Round 2

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