2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: EDGE Julian Okwara

Big Board ranking: #98

Positional ranking: #9

 

Overview

Position: EDGE

College: Notre Dame

Class: Senior

Age: 22

 

Measurables

Height: 6’4 1/4″

Weight: 252 lbs.

Arm length: 34 3/8”

Hand size: 10 1/4″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

Bench press: 27 reps

3-cone drill: N/A

Short shuttle: N/A

 

Strengths

Prototype overall size with elite length. Plus overall athleticism. Shows good power as a pass rusher. Uses a subtle shoulder dip around the edge. Excellent hand usage getting after the quarterback. Will use length/power to push tackles back as a straight-line rusher. Has flashed a spin move that he can build on. Quality bend to capture the corner. Closing acceleration is better than first-step quickness. Tremendous range as a finisher. Shows good awareness as a backside run defender. Comfortable enough dropping back in coverage. High motor. Hustles to the action. Has experience lining up on either side of the formation. Mostly a standup rusher but can put his hand in the dirt. Team captain at Notre Dame.

 

Weaknesses

Needs to develop a more diverse set of pass-rush moves for the next level. Would like to see more of a consistent plan from snap to snap. Initial burst and twitchiness is just average. A little stiff overall. Play recognition is just OK. Could be better anchoring down versus the run.

 

NFL comparison

Bradley Chubb

 

Conclusion

Overall, Okwara is a prototype edge defender with good power, straight-line athleticism, and natural ability as a pass rusher. He will need to be more creative at the next level to hit his ceiling, but Okwara is one of a few players at his position that should go on Day 2.