
Michigan EDGE David Ojabo
6-foot-4
250 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
6.19 (6.45 before Achilles injury) — possible first-rounder; possible immediate starter
Here’s how we use our prospect grades for the 2022 NFL draft. (Albert Corona/Yahoo Sports)
TL;DR scouting report
Highly talented but raw pass rusher with sky-high potential that’s been sullied by Achilles injury in March
The skinny
A 3-star Rivals recruit in the Class of 2019, Ojabo committed to the Wolverines over Notre Dame and several other schools (including Ivy League). After redshirting as a freshman, Ojabo saw six games of action (three on defense) in 2020, recording one tackle. But in 2021, he broke out in a big way, registering 35 tackles (12 for losses), 11 sacks, three passes defended, five forced fumbles and one recovery. Ojabo declared for the 2022 NFL draft and suffered a torn Achilles tendon at Michigan’s pro day on March 18.
Michigan EDGE David Ojabo is raw and will miss time with injury but has exciting upside. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Upside
Raw, tantalizing upside as a pass rusher — late bloomer with only five years of football experience
Former soccer player with light feet and good reaction skills
Good length (33 1/2-inch arms) with a frame that likely can add 15-20 pounds
Electric athletic ability on full display at NFL combine — 4.55-second 40 (1.59 10-yard split), 35-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-2 broad)
Get-off quickness is downright silly
Loose hips and ankles allow him to bend the edge with ease
Pretty natural feel for pass rushing — able to string moves together and counter blockers
Surprisingly deep bag of tricks — throws the kitchen sink at tackles
Emerging spin move could be trouble in a few years
Slippery — rarely stays blocked for long
Late finishing speed as run defender and vs. pass
Had some strong reps vs. Northwestern…
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