Well, we received the unfortunate news this past week of Michigan’s David Ojabo tearing his Achilles, which will leave one of the top defensive prospects out of action for six months. That could likely mean his draft stock will be affected quite a bit. Reports had compared it to Cam Akers being back for the playoffs for the Rams last season. However, it is very likely Ojabo falls out of the first round as a result of his injury.
Fair or not, Ojabo’s injury situation could benefit another defensive prospect in this year’s draft. This is a deep edge-rusher class, and plenty of teams will be looking to add one early. With Ojabo’s injury, who will take his place in the first round?
There is only one name, and he has already been mocked in several first-round mock drafts. That player is Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie.
Ebiketie had an impressive season with a Nittany Lions. The Temple transfer came to Happy Valley as a bit of a raw player. Ebiketie developed into one of the most productive edge rushers during the 2021 season.
He became much more active with his hands and even violent at times. Ebiketie also has an elite body frame which he used significantly to his advantage this season. If there’s one word to describe the Penn State defense in terms of a developmental standpoint, it’s physicality. Arnold Ebiketie, Jaquan Brisker, and even returning guys like Joey Porter Junior and Curtis Jacobs.
Another trait that stands out in Ebiketie’s game is his bend off the edge. He has an ample amount of upper body strength that really helps him win those battles on the outside.
In terms of his athletic ability, there are other prospects that possess more of those athletic traits than Ebiketie does. However, in terms of production and football IQ, Ebiketie has it all.
When you think of this as rusher class the past two years, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are players that never had their full potentials unlocked by their respective teams. For Ebiketie, we saw a substantial leap from him this season. However, there definitely seems like there is more of his skills that have yet to be unlocked.
Ebiketie doesn’t necessarily have the height of those like Aidan Hutchinson or Jermaine Johnson. However, he still has that prototypical build you want in an NFL edge rusher and teams will fall in love with his skillset and his consistent ability to get to the quarterback.
Arnold Ebiketie is a first-round talent edge rusher and with the unfortunate news of David Ojabo, it’s very likely Ebiketie will hear his name called earlier than expected, and that will be in the first round.
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