Azeez Ascending up Draft Boards

By: Hussam Patel

Azeez Ojulari Georgia Bulldogs’ best defender last season. Mainly lining up as an EDGE in their base 4-3 Defense, he sometimes would be the only EDGE in a 3-4 scheme. He’s super-athletic, quick off the line and can control his body well. He’s most likely going to be an OLB for an NFL team because of his length concerns, although I wouldn't write him off at playing the EDGE position without a full NFL Offseason. 

Studying #UGA pass rusher Azeez Ojulari - first play of the first game. Look at the change in speed when he closes to the QB! Serious juice off the edge. Finished his career with 15 sacks in 13 starts. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/vmsdG9lmQH

— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) February 3, 2021

Ojulari earned recognition as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award for his efforts, and second-team All-SEC selection at outside linebacker. He certainly has talent both in the LB corps and as a rotational EDGE. Off the line of scrimmage, he's got a great pop in his hips and violent hands. As I said, with his body control, he can bend against offensive linemen, get that first step in, and attack the Quarterback. It’s insane how effortless his production and how consistent his motor is.

Azeez Ojulari has get off and bend but his hands are the most impressive part of his game to me. The timing is so good that tackles just can’t land their punch on him. pic.twitter.com/ichKnNnUFq

— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) December 30, 2020

Teams value players who are great at rushing the QB; I’m under the impression Ojulari could be one of the first EDGE/LB taken based on his pass rush skill alone. Sometimes he’s a bit too explosive and linemen can wash him out of the play, so the Bulldog product will need to improve against the run if he wants to start at the EDGE Position and be a second level defender at the linebacker spot.

Azeez Ojulari is a better run defender than I initially saw...

Nice rep here vs big RT Larry Borom. Hands tight inside, good strength at point of attack. Forces run into B-Gap and keeps arm free to wrangle. pic.twitter.com/j7OLkWEEcq

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 19, 2021

Ojulari certainly has the IQ to defend against the run, he knows how to attack lineman and fill gaps. However, he won't be able to anchor and hold his ground for an extended period; when a running back gets to the second level, he might not be able to catch up and make the tackle, ultimately taken out of the play. He wasn’t asked to cover at Georgia, but if he does play LB,  he will need to know how to cover well. He reminds me of Yannick Ngakoue.