Uchenna Nwosu, USC: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
USC’s Uchenna Nwosu is a rising defensive prospect who excels at generating pressure off the edge. He is someone who could hear his name called early in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Uchenna Nwosu is a solidly build edge defender who makes an impact in multiple ways. USC uses his skill set to rush the passer, set the edge against the run and drop in coverage. He has the potential to be an elite defender at the next level.
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Nwosu features several pass rush moves that help him keep the blockers off balance. He has the speed and balance needed to bend around the edge. His quick and violent hands help him keep clean as he works his way to the quarterback.
He also has the raw strength and hand usage needed to employ a bull rush. Nwosu is awareness to realize when to shoot the inside gap. In these situations he dips his should and rips past the blocker.
His awareness also extends to batting the ball at the line of scrimmage. Nwosu seems to bat a few balls at the line per game. He even has the athleticism to turn those batted balls into interceptions.
Nwosu is a strong run defender who sets the edge. He uses his hands to keep clean and hold at the point of attack. This is someone who will also quickly close the back door.
USC will ask him to drop into coverage from time to time. Nwosu has the athleticism and balance to hold up in space. However, he does tend to play a little high and lose track of the developing routes.
Using Nwosu in coverage is a bit of a waste of his talents. This is someone who needs to work at the line of scrimmage and rush the passer. Nwosu is a top-flight prospect who could quickly develop into a terror off the edge.