After being selected by the Broncos in the third round of the NFL draft, Michael Ojemudia will likely serve as one of Denver’s top three cornerbacks this season, behind A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan.
“We’re delighted to have Michael,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said during a Zoom conference call with reporters on June 11. “Michael brings size [6-1, 200 pounds], he brings speed [4.45 40-yard dash] and he can judge a ball down the field deep. Those are very important parts to a DB. He’s really on schedule as a tackler and a hitter, which we know is very important to the Broncos’ style of defense.”
Depending on if Callahan lines up in the slot or on the outside, Ojemudia might end up starting across from Bouye. That would be a tall task for the rookie and Donatell wasn’t ready to declare Ojemudia’s role just yet.
“How he fits in — we want him to do as much as he can as a rookie,” Donatell said. “Time will only tell that. What I can tell you is he’s really, really in the top part of the class as far as his learning curve. He’s picked up our scheme in a virtual sense as about as good as you’ll find in a rookie. He’s off to a good start. We’re just really eager to get him on the field and get started coaching him in a physical sense.”
During his final three years at Iowa, Ojemudia totaled 120 tackles, six interceptions, 16 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. He will make his on-field debut in orange and blue in the Broncos’ preseason opener against the 49ers on Saturday, Aug. 15.
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