NFL teams are beginning to shift their focus from the free agency frenzy to the quickly approaching 2021 NFL Draft, and one of the best prospects in the draft could be Azeez Ojulari. Ojulari is a 6-foot-3 edge rusher from Georgia who has a ton of untapped potential.
Ojulari is widely regarded as one of if not the best edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft class and there are expected to be a lot interested teams in the Georgia product. Last year’s first-round pick from Georgia didn’t pan out to be anything extraordinary, but Ojulari could prove to be an exception.
He deserves all the credit he is receiving as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL Draft class, and he could be a shocking top 20 selection in the upcoming draft. Ojulari, in three years at Georgia, tallied 68 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks, two passes defended, and five forced fumbles for the Bulldogs.
Azeez Ojulari is a very efficient rusher from the edge of the line and he could make a lasting impact on an NFL organization. Let’s take a look at four franchises who should look to snag the Georgia alum.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be loading up on talent in the quickly approaching NFL Draft, and one player they could set their sights on is Ojulari. He is a raw prospect in the draft this year, but he has shown flashes of potential that could make him one of the most feared defensive ends in the entire league.
The franchise needs to add an athletic edge presence opposite of Josh Allen, and Ojulari could be that presence. Ojulari has great power and speed that allows him to beat blockers in multiple ways, and the fact that he dominated in one of the best conferences in college football shows that he is NFL ready.
Azeez Ojulari would be a great piece to add to the rebuilding Jaguars and the Jags could utilize their second first-round pick on the star edge rusher. The Jaguars would thank themselves for making this pick in the first round of the draft.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are in need of some help to add to their defensive line and Ojulari could be a compelling prospect for the team to consider. The Giants currently posses the No. 11 overall pick in the quickly approaching NFL Draft and they could snag a generational defensive end talent to add to their squad.
Defense wins championships in the NFL and that has been evident over the past few years. The Giants have done quite a bit to enhance their defense this offseason by locking up Leonard Williams to an extension and bringing aboard Adoree Jackson, but they could look to get even better.
Azeez Ojulari could thrive playing alongside Leonard Williams in New York and the team’s lack of talent at the edge rushing area could make the Giants more inclined to make a major move. This is a pick that has major potential to be the smartest play of the entire draft if the Giants play their cards right.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are in a position with the number four overall pick to trade back or select the best player available. If the Falcons decide to trade back into the midway point of the first round, they should set their sights on Azeez Ojulari.
Atlanta, if they stay where they’re at, are more than likely going to snag Florida tight end Kyle Pitts with the fourth selection of the NFL Draft, but the team needs to improve their pass rushing department the most. The Falcons have had virtually no pass rush from their actual defensive linemen in recent seasons and the addition of a local boy in Ojulari could change that in a flash.
He has the perfect combination of speed and power from the edge and he could be a major addition to the Atlanta defensive line. It’s tempting to snag a generational tight end talent in Pitts, but the smart decision by Atlanta would be trading down and picking up Ojulari.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are in need of a defensive end to compliment the outstanding play of Myles Garrett, and Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari could be their guy. The Browns currently have the 26th overall pick and if Ojulari falls to them, snagging him would be common sense.
Ojulari dominated in individual coverage, and that’s likely what he would get a lot of with the Browns. Opposing teams will be more concerned with Garrett than they would be with a rookie edge rusher, but Ojulari would benefit from having one on one battles to look forward to.
While at Georgia, Ojulari made his bread and butter by dominating single coverage and the same is to be expected in the NFL. Ojulari would be best on a team like the Browns who already have one dominant edge rusher.
