Eagles Draft Profiles: Michigan DE David Ojabo
During the offseason, it’s been glaringly evident that the Eagles were interested in Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo.
Numerous mock drafts had the Eagles selecting Ojabo with the first of their three first-round picks.
Tragedy struck last month, with Ojabo tearing his Achilles during a workout at Michigan’s Pro Day. After the severe injury, he went from a surefire top pick to a potential mid-second-rounder.
Ojabo fits the mold of Haason Reddick, a player who is primarily an edge rusher with the capability to play as an outside linebacker if needed.
Although powerful, the technical portions of Ojabo’s game are what make him so great. He has excellent hand placement and always has a counter for whatever type of block he faces from the tackle.
The good news is that since he doesn’t rely on athleticism, his game shouldn’t be affected much after last month’s injury.
Achilles tears are still considered one of the most significant injuries an athlete can sustain, but it’s not the death sentence it once was. Former Eagles’ guard Brandon Brooks is the most notable instance of a lineman playing just as great after tearing theirs.
The good news is that Achilles’ tears take roughly six months to return from, so Ojabo could be back within the first few weeks of the regular season.
What’s more realistic, however, is what the Eagles did with Sidney Jones in 2017. Jones was projected to be a top-ten pick before tearing his Achilles at Washington’s Pro Day in March.
The Eagles scooped him up in the second round but shut him down for most of the season, activating him before their Week 17 game against Dallas that season.
Their D-Line is stacked already, but Howie Roseman is always looking to add more talent in the trenches. A defensive line of Reddick/Cox/Hargrave/Sweat with Ojabo, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Milton Williams in reserve roles would make the rotation incredibly deep.
With the Eagles’ abundance of draft picks following their trade with the Saints, it’s likely the Eagles could be interested in Ojabo with their second-round selection. I don’t see him being worth the 15th or 18th picks, but Ojabo would be a steal if he fell to the #51.
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