With The First Pick
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Obi Melifonwu Another Perfect Pick for Oakland Raiders

By Carl Cockerham

Nov 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Michael Walker (3) is tackled by Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Michael Walker (3) is tackled by Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Obi Melifonwu runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Obi Melifonwu runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Physical Talent and Skill

Melifonwu is able to do the things he does because he is as a physical freak at 6’4″, 225 pounds. He also has 32 1/2-inch long arms so he can get his hands on you and control you. As much as some don’t like his physicality, he’s very physical in press coverage.

He is especially physical, showing his strength, when lined up on big TEs as he so often is. His size, height and length are big-time weapons on a TE but so his his 44-inch vertical leap. Opposing TEs can’t simply wall him off or high-point the ball over him when he’s in coverage.

There is no TE that can that can run by him either as he ran a 4.40 at the combine. That combine time would have ranked him No. 4 among CBs so he’s okay covering WRs too. He was a CB first and it showed when he participated in the drills at the combine.

He just looked like a big CB as he is still fluid for a 185-pounder, all the more for a 225-pounder. He flips his hips easily to turn and run, has quick feet and plants his foot to change direction well. This gives him range in centerfield and makes him impossible for TEs to get away from.

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