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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Emmanuel Ogbah, EDGE
School: Oklahoma State | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 273 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late 1st - Early 2nd
NFL Comparison: Aldon Smith

College Statistics

Player Overview

Emmanuel Ogbah is a supremely talented pass rusher. When the QB is in his sights and he has a clear lane he closes quickly and finishes violently. Ogbah has a track record of production at Oklahoma State but what I saw on tape doesn't match up with the production. Nothing is more frustrating than watching a player that has the ability to wreck the opposing offense nearly every play not do it for lack of trying. That's Ogbah. He has the speed, power, and quickness to just embarrass offensive lineman but he doesn't apply it nearly as much as he should. He is wildly inconsistent, some plays no one can stop him he's too strong, too quick, too violent and he makes the quarterback have a bad day. On other plays it seems like he's not even trying to get off the tackle or get to the ball. 

Ogbah gets lost in the scrum entirely too often and lacks the consistent use of awareness and instincts that he occasionally flashes. Should have dominated lesser competition he played this year. If he doesn't beat the lineman quickly he'll get statuesque and doesn't use his hands nearly enough. He lacks the effort and pursuit that elite and tough pass rushers have.

He's a guy that plays at 60% effort for 75% of the game. I can't imagine the statistical numbers he would have put up at Oklahoma State if he left it all on the field every game.

Strengths

  • Excellent size to play 4-3 DE. Has worked hard throughout college to add quality mass to his body.
  • Is a bit of a straight line rusher but when he has a path he closes quickly and hits the QB violently often trying to knock the football out as well.
  • Posted a sack or more in every game he played this year except for two or them.
  • Might be scheme versatile played with his hand in the dirt and standing up and athletically tested better than some 3-4 OLB prospects in the combine this year.

Weaknesses

  • Lacks the motor and toughness to literally power through tough blocks, more often than not if he doesn't win his matchup immediately he's out of the play.
  • Doesn't pursue the ball when in the area but going the opposite way even though he certainly has the athletic ability to pursue.
  • Instincts and game awareness is lacking. Too hesitant when asked to 2-gap. He is a too much of a non-factor against the run.
  • Doesn't bring intensity and effort every play. For someone who could pretty much win at will – why?


Let's see his work: 




Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

If Ogbah brought his A game consistently I would be onboard with his selection by the Redskins at 21. But frankly it's pretty annoying watching him not play up to his obvious potential on a consistent basis and I'm not sure if the light switch will flip to "on" for Ogbah once in the NFL. I realize that may seem like a strange thing to say about a player who notched 16.5 TFL and 12 sacks but Ogbah could have had 20+ TFL and 15+ sacks this season.

I listened to a recent interview with Scot McCloughan via Larry Michael and Michael asked him to define what a "football player" was. McCloughan said the following:

"It’s a guy that shows up every day, is consistent, and coaches know exactly how to coach him and how they’re going to respond,"

"Maybe on the field, they’re going to do exactly what is asked of them. It comes down to competitiveness, toughness and passion. Then you add that to intelligence. I’ll take a lesser athlete that’s 6’4" and 200 lbs. as a receiver that runs 4.3, that’s an average football player, compared to a 6’ 200 lbs. guy that doesn’t show up every day and be the same guy."

That doesn't describe Ogbah to me, and it's a shame because Ogbah has to potential to be elite at either the 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB positions. Ogbah being a 3-4 OLB is definitely on the table for some teams with how he performed at the combine, he notched similar numbers to our own Preston Smith, you can see Preston's numbers here.

That is not to say the book on Ogbah is written and sealed. He may live up to that Aldon Smith (not the crazy parts) comp yet but he is a player that hasn't put it all together for some reason yet.

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