Upside IDP Rookies You Need To Know
After the NFL draft, we went over some high upside rookies to grab at the top of your draft boards. Today we are continuing and looking at a few players who fell a little further down the board on draft day. Even though they weren’t 1st rounders these players still have an excellent opportunity to be viable IDP starters.
Azeez Ojulari- EDGE- New York Giants
Ojulari is a player who learns his opponent’s moves and adjusts to them well. He gave former Alabama OT and Raiders 2021 1st round draft pick Alexander Leatherwood all he could handle in their 2020 matchup. Ojulari shows consistent ability to disengage from blocks and time his opponent’s hands to defeat blocks and get pressure on the QB.
In year one, Azeez Ojulari’s value lies with his designation. Ojulari will be playing an OLB/EDGE role where he rushes the passes more than dropping in coverage. If he receives a DL designation, in addition to the likely LB designation, he would be a valuable starter. If he is left with a mere LB tag it is likely that his tackle numbers alone don’t stack up well vs inside linebackers. Ojulari is a player that is going to get better with time, keep an eye on him.
Buddy Johnson – Inside Linebacker – Pittsburgh Steelers
An excellent downhill linebacker who is a physical presence in the run game. Johnson has a lot of similar traits and questions as the top-rated linebacker, Micah Parsons, but at a reduced cost. Parsons and Johnson both have questions about their coverage ability. Johnson plays much better against the run while Parsons is better flowing sideline to sideline.
Johnson might not be ready to step into the ILB role along Devin Bush week 1. However, Steelers ILB Coach Jerry Olsavsky has already tabbed him to take the role that was filled last year by Avery Williamson and Vince Williams after the Steeler’s linebacker core suffered a rash of injuries. Olsavsky has also said that Johnson is likely to be on all the special teams. Playing special teams will be a great opportunity for Johnson to rack up additional tackles. Buddy has all the tools needed to be a great MLB with high tackle numbers, a recipe for IDP success.
Levi Onwuzirike – Defensive Lineman – Detriot Lions
Onwuzirike is an intriguing player that isn’t likely to make a splash in year one. However, the natural leverage he gains from his long arms and the quickness he displays from an interior DL position can be scary weapons if used effectively. Onwuzirike frequently had his college opponents grabbing and trying to tackle him as he made them whiff with his short-area quickness.
Onwuzirike could be a very productive interior defensive lineman with time, a rare commodity in IDP football. I have Onwuzirike as a player to monitor until Detriot adds more DL talent and while he learns how to use his leverage and quickness properly in the pros.
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