The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.
Up next is Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari:
What he can do
– Led SEC with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 stops for lost yardage in 2020. Also totaled 35 pressures
– Well-built upper body accompanied by long arms, which helps make up for height disadvantage
– High-motor athlete with fast-twitch movements and change of direction capability
– Super quick first step and very good upfield burst to threaten offensive tackles vertically. Ran a 4.63 forty at his pro day
– Solid bend to create a nice arc in his rush
– Still needs work developing his plan as a pass rusher but will enter the NFL with a solid arsenal of pass rush moves to disengage and create pressures
– Effective hand technique to control blockers. Quick to separate
– Understands how to maximize leverage while out on the edge. Plays with good play strength at the point of attack and understands how to use his length to his advantage
– As a run defender, he does a nice job chasing from the backside. Made a handful of athletic tackles while taking on blocks. Has the necessary range to chase down ball carriers
– Can drop into coverage if needed. Took reps covering running backs and tight ends in college
How he fits
Ojulari has the potential to be an immediate starter. He’s a good athlete and can make plays against the run and pass. He fits best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, where he can focus on setting the edge and rushing the passer. Ojulari is a coach’s dream in that he is a team player and willing to work hard and learn. As far as the Packers, he would benefit tremendously from playing behind Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. Ojulari needs some coaching to hone his technique, but the necessary tools are already there. Look no further than his explosiveness, athleticism, and strength. With some good coaching, he could be a really good NFL player. With Preston Smith probably heading into his last year, Green Bay needs to think about the future of the position. Rashaan Gary is vying to be the starter once he leaves, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another edge rusher in this year’s draft. Ojulari could potentially follow a similar path to the one Gary took and one day be a starter.
NFL comp
Ojulari gives off some Takkarist Mckinley vibes. Mckinley was the 26th overall pick in 2017, and he had three solid seasons in Atlanta before a rocky year in 2020. Both are around 6-2 in height but have long arms. Like Ojulari, Mckinley was a well-rounded prospect in terms of athleticism. McKinley is versatile in that he can play the run and also impact the quarterback. Ojulari will hopefully have an easier time transitioning to the next level, but the similarities in size, length, and play style are comparable to Mckinley.
Where the Packers could get him
Late first round would be good value. Some analysts view Ojulari as a first-round talent, while others see him slipping into the late 30s or early 40s in the second. If Green Bay trades out of the first and Ojulari is there early in the second, it’s hard to argue against Ojulari. Rushing the passer is extremely valuable, and he projects to do it at a high level. Of course, the Packers have other needs they may want to address before selecting an edge rusher.
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