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 Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai:
What he can do
– Never stops. Relentless. When you think of “high motor,” think of Joseph Ossai. Made so many plays as a result of intensity and pure energy. Traits translates easily to the next level
– Big-time disruptive production. Created 165 tackles, 30.5 tackles for losses, 11 sacks and five forced fumbles despite starting only 24 games. Always around the ball or hunting the ball
– A little undersized for the edge. Only 6-3 and weighs under 260 pounds. Long arms help negate some size issues
– Elite numbers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. Another high RAS player
– Experience playing off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. And might be able to rush standing or with hand on the ground at the next level. Versatile
– Still developing as an edge rusher but has displayed a varied plan of attack with several effective counters. Also productive when used on twists and stunts
– Attacks the ball when arriving at the quarterback. Always swiping at the ball or attacking the arms and hands of the passer, creating turnovers
– Could become even more dangerous once he learns to better time the snap and explode off the ball consistently. Testing numbers suggest an opportunity to be more explosive. May get much better in this department as he gets more comfortable playing on the edge
– Made two game-ending sacks late in the fourth quarter of wins
– Made an incredible play against Oklahoma, chasing down the running back from behind and swiping the ball loose, turning a big play for the opposition into a turnover
– Team captain as a senior
How he fits
Athleticism and elite effort in an edge rusher can fit any team or defense, and the two traits create a high floor and potentially high ceiling for Ossai at the next level. This is a guy coaches will be banging the table for in the draft room. While the Packers are going into 2021 with three veteran edge rushers, Preston Smith is probably about to play his last season in Green Bay and Za’Darius Smith’s contract situation now requires what could be a tricky extension after next season. As always, a team can never have enough quality edge rushers, and Ossai is different stylistically than what the Packers have currently. His motor and relentless pursuit of the football could make him a valuable rotational player as he develops early in his career. A future edge group with Ossai, Rashan Gary and Za’Darius Smith could be a nightmare to both block and keep blocked.
NFL comp
The Clay Matthews comparison is often overused. He was a rare find. But Ossai is clearly cut from the same cloth as a football player. There’s just a relentlessness about how they play the game and pursue the ball. Combining athleticism and instincts with a non-stop hunting mindset turned Matthews into a force. Ossai isn’t a carbon copy of Matthews, but his ceiling is similar if everything comes together.
Where Packers could get him
Anywhere between late in the first round to late in the second round. Opinions vary on Ossai, but he is generally viewed as a top-50 player in the class. It wouldn’t be surprising if he went higher than expected. It also wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still around as the Packers’ pick in the second round approaches.
Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSvxsXGgYXE
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