Reese's Senior Bowl Prospect Report - Captain Levi

By: Hussam Patel

Levi Onwuzurike is my favorite player in this draft class not named Devonta Smith or Najee Harris. I believe he can be the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft. While standing only 6’2” at 290 pounds, Onwuzurike has such jarring power on tape that it blew me away.

Love DT Levi Onwuzurike of Washington. I get Jeffery Simmons vibes. Here he takes on a double, throws one of those OLs into another OL, knocking them both to the ground. This is the kind of fuckery I kept seeing on Aaron Donald’s Pitt tape for two years before he was drafted. pic.twitter.com/oWM8KDeVkF

— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) January 14, 2021

The Husky product has amazing athleticism and demonstrates good body quickness as an interior pass rusher with his lean frame. Onwuzurike will automatically beat lineman vertically off the snap, setting an early edge. When an overpowering offensive lineman powers their way against him, he can spin his way to the Quarterback. Lost in the power aspect is his knack for spinning back into the play. 

When that @seniorbowl practice film hits the screen - the night has just begun #thedraftstartsinMobile pic.twitter.com/PpJuKPdkbO

— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) January 27, 2021

Against the run game, his leverage is evident. He plays with low pads, makes him an excellent run defender. His arm length and raw power allows him to move offensive linemen, keeping them from creating holes, and he routinely gets into the backfield to stop the running back. The Huskies product has a nonstop motor; he doesn’t allow himself to stay blocked, and gives opposing lineman and running backs fits throughout the game.

When i watch a player and see him affect the first 3 plays of the game, he’s got my attention. That’s what Washington DT (95) Levi Onwuzurike does in this 2019 game vs Utah. Shuts down the run on 1st & 2nd down. Then occupies the LG & C, creating a 1v1 for a teammate vs the LT. pic.twitter.com/Tp3xZZS4VF

— michael crawford (@abukari) January 22, 2021

In the NFL, there are bigger, stronger and faster offensive lineman than in college. Onwuzurike will need to put on a little more muscle to lock up powerful running backs around the line of scrimmage and become an immovable force for years to come. 

Quinn Meinerz vs Levi Onwuzurike pic.twitter.com/bRjSoChHh5

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 26, 2021

He is a fast riser due to his practices at the Senior Bowl, and could cement himself as the #1 DT come April.

My god Levi Onwuzurike is explosive. I yelped a little bit pic.twitter.com/6XG671jJld

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) January 28, 2021