Notre Dame DE/LB Julian Okwara
If there’s one thing this draft class is lacking for it is talented pass rushers. After projected top 3 draft pick Chase Young, there doesn’t seem to be a true consensus on who will be the next player selected. One player flying well under-the-radar for first-round consideration is Notre Dame’s bendy pass rusher Julian Okwara.
Okwara is a guru getting after the quarterback and did so against some top tier talent in 2019. Guys like Mekhi Becton, Isaiah Wilson and Andrew Thomas all suffered the wrath of Okwara. He earned a PFF pass-rush grade of 90.4 for the 2019 season, despite missing the final four games with a leg injury.
While he only did the bench press (27 repetitions) at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, his virtual pro day was a smashing success. He ran a 4.60 40-yard dash time according to his agency. That time would have tied James-Smith Williams’ top time at the combine.
At 6-4 and 252 pounds, some have likened Okwara to Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. It makes sense, not only because of his size and ability rushing the passer, but also his rare coverage ability. In short, don’t doubt the possibility of a freak athlete with production against top tier talent to be drafted higher than expected.
The Chiefs are very familiar with this player because defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo coached his brother when he was with the New York Giants. Okwara spoke to us a bit about his meeting with Kansas City at the combine.