2. Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Size: 6-5, 257
The Good: Yeah, the NFL likes 6-5, 250+ pound pass rushers who tear off a freaking 4.36 40.
It was the pro day and not a the NFL combine, but so what? Throw another second on to that and the guy can still move.
No, he’s not Chase Young or Myles Garrett, but when it comes to having the tools to be special, they’re all there. He’s got the quickness and power to go along with that burst, and he’s been able to keep it all while adding more weight to his frame. He might be maxed out, but he carries the weight perfectly and he’s still really, really fast.
The best part about it all is that he’s really just getting started. He was okay at Penn State, but once it all comes together and the technique matches the tools, uh oh.
However, speaking of uh oh …
As expected, @JaysonOweh put on a show at @PennStateFball Pro Day.
He was so impressive that he had @HowardGriffith saying, "He's mashed this thing."
Watch some of the highlights below. pic.twitter.com/2033g71cZu
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) March 25, 2021
The Not-So-Good: Seven sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, 63 tackles. That’s not one decent year. that’s a 19-game run over three seasons at Penn State.
He was a part of the fun on a Penn State defensive front loaded with pass rushers, but he was never the guy. Even with Micah Parsons out last year, he wasn’t able to take over and generate a sack and was generally underwhelming for a D that could’ve used that explosiveness.
He’s still all tools and all upside without having done it yet. That’s always a dangerous mix. NFL history is loaded with guys where were heroes in shorts and zeroes on the pro field.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: In a draft that’s woefully lacking in superstar pass rushing prospects, here’s your ultimate shot for the stars. He’s not going to go early because the tape doesn’t match the tools, but some defensive coordinator is going to pound his fist on the table for him.
Guys like this are rare, but it might take a long, long time to unlock the superstar athletic greatness.
Projected Round: Second