One of the weakest position groups on the Panthers roster is linebacker. In order for the Panthers to get back to having a Super Bowl caliber defense, their front seven must be improved. Fortunately, the defensive line is coming together nicely, but the linebacker corps needs an upgrade. Let’s take a look at a player who could drastically improve that position group and provide value as a weak-side linebacker and stand up edge rusher: Texas’ Joseph Ossai.
Profile:
6-foot-3, 245 pounds
Projected 40 yard dash: 4.55 seconds
Pros: Ossai projects well as a standup edge rusher or weak-side linebacker. He is a raw prospect who shows tremendous hustle and is able to win around the edge with his tremendous athleticism. He also plays with superb pad level and is able to convert his speed into power at times. Ossai has immense potential thanks to his burst, ability to bend around the edge and explosiveness. He also can line up at multiple positions.
Cons: There are a lot of things that need to be refined in Ossai’s game such as hand usage, play recognition and developing a wider variety of pass rush counters. He is also a touch undersized and while his functional play strength is fine, he lacks true power to be a stout run defender at the point of attack. Ossai is not exactly reliable in coverage either, which could limit his snaps at linebacker in the future.
Overall: Ossai will be a top-25 pick due to his immense potential as a hybrid edge defender. He has top-notch explosiveness as an edge rusher and is lightning quick when closing on the ball carrier. Ossai has all the physical tools coaches simply cannot teach.
Highlights:
Ossai vs. Utah
Ossai vs. TCU
Ossai vs. Oklahoma State
How he compares:
Most scouts and analysts have Ossai as Edge 3 in this year’s class. Miami’s Greg Rousseau and Michigan’s Kwity Paye are the consensus picks ranked above him. Rousseau surely has the top spot locked down, but don’t be surprised to see Ossai climb up to No. 2. Ossai is going to show off his elite athleticism at the combine and drop some jaws. He’s also having a tremendous year, both on tape and in the stat sheet,for the Longhorns. When it’s all said and done, Ossai should be a lock as a top-25 pick.
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