2021 NFL Draft: Azeez Ojulari making his claim as EDGE1
By Cory Kinnan
Where Ojulari shows room for improvement
There is, however, some fine tuning to he done to the game of Ojulari as well with the 2021 NFL Draft rapidly approaching.
While Ojulari is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and explosive players in the entire draft class, he could do a better job at timing the snap count and getting a better jump off the line of scrimmage. Look at the way Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns or T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers get off the line of scrimmage; if Ojulari can get on their level off the snap, he has the ability to reach a whole new level to his game.
When working in run support, Ojulari’s pursuit pattern can get a bit rounded off as he attempts to avoid traffic in his path. An area of improvement in the run game for the Georgia pass rusher is his ability to work laterally and through the traffic instead of around it. He has the speed and power to do so, but displays hesitation on tape.
Lastly, while Ojulari possesses nuance as a pass rusher and with his hands, he tends to lack a counter on the attack. Should his initial attack be countered by the offensive lineman in front of him, Ojulari struggles to react in a timely manner and tends to revert to his instincts and looking to get his hands on the ball instead.
The good outweighs the bad for Ojulari, and how will that translate to his 2021 NFL Draft stock.