Tag: Adetomiwa Adebawore

Combine standout Adetomiwa Adebawore says playing for Chiefs would be a blessing

Kansas City’s own Adetomiwa Adebawore is one of the big winners of the NFL Scouting Combine thus far and he says it’d be a blessing to play for his hometown #Chiefs.

When Northwestern DT Adetomiwa Adebawore met with the media on Wednesday, he was asked about his placement on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks” list. He landed at No. 30 on the list and some reporters seemed to question if that was accurate.

“I think I’m very athletic,” Adebawore told reporters. “I think you guys are going to see that tomorrow.”

The North Kansas City native delivered on that comment in a big way. While he’s expected to play 3-technique in the NFL, Adebawore worked out with the edge rushers because he knew that his numbers would rival what they put up weighing 40 pounds less.

Weighing in at 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Adebawore posted a 125-inch broad jump, a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.49s 40-yard dash time. All the marks put him in elite company for a player of his size.

When he was a senior playing football at North Kansas City High School, Adebawore never even dreamed of being in the position he’s in now. He wasn’t going to let an ounce of this opportunity go to waste.

“It’s truly a blessing because I wasn’t thinking about the combine when I got out of high school,” Adebawore said. “It was just trying to go get my degree and play football and play hard and then I got the opportunity and I’m trying to take full advantage of it. So it’s truly been a blessing.”

Now, Adebawore has the potential to be one of the biggest risers from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. To hear his name called at the draft in his hometown would be special, no matter where he ends up. If he were to receive a call from the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he’s met at the combine, he says that would be a blessing.

“Oh, man, that’d be exciting to play for my hometown team,” Adebawore said. “I know everyone would be excited to play for their hometown team, so that’d truly be a blessing. But I want to play for the team that wants me.”

Adebawore doesn’t know if he’ll be invited to or attend the NFL draft — an honor usually reserved for those expected to be selected in the first round. He does know for certain that he’ll be in his home city to celebrate with family and friends regardless.

“No matter what I will be in Kansas City,” Adebawore said.

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Underwear Olympics: Stock up/stock down from the defensive linemen

Whose stock is soaring and whose is plummeting from the defensive line group?

The NFL Scouting Combine is now in full effect as we have interviews going into day three, but now we have finished one day of testing as well. The defensive linemen, pass rushers, and linebackers kicked off the party in Indianapolis, Indiana as they were the first to take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. We start our stock watch talking about the big boys as Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore and Baylor’s Siaki Ika caught eyes for different reasons.

Who else saw their stock rise or sink today as the defensive linemen took the field? We dive into a few names here.

Vikings draft prospects: 8 players that impressed at the combine on Thursday

The first day of the NFL Scouting Combine is in the books and some players did a lot for their draft stock

The NFL Scouting Combine kicked off with a bang on Thursday afternoon by starting with the defensive lineman and linebackers. There was a lot of intrigue with this group, especially at the top.

Alabama EDGE Will Anderson was the only one of the top pass rushers to participate in drills, but there were other first-round talents that ended up showing out in a big way.

Here are the eight players that impressed in the first day of the combine.

3 edge rushers Saints fans should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine

The #Saints don’t need to burn a first round pick to land an impactful edge rusher, and many options will be at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

While the interior defensive line is arguably a bigger need for the New Orleans Saints, edge defender is a position that should not be ignored this offseason either. The NFL draft will present some intriguing options should the Saints decided to use the league’s annual selection process to address the area. An early look at some of those potentials picks can be had this week as the NFL Scouting Combine workouts begin this wee in Indianapolis.

We already presented three defensive tackles that should pique the interest of Saints fans at the Combine. Now,  we can dive into the pass rushers off the edge that could be huge gets for New Orleans in the long-run. With uncertainty looming over the team’s decision with 2018 first-round edge rusher draft pick Marcus Davenport and veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan entering the final year of his current deal, this is a position New Orleans would benefit from addressing both in the short and long term outlooks. Here are three edge defenders to watch at this week’s Combine, what to watch for, how they could contribute to the Saints and their current draft projections.

NFL Scouting Combine: Notes and quotes from the defensive linemen and linebackers

The defensive linemen and linebackers spoke to the media today at the combine. Here are some notes and quotes that stood out.

The first day of player media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine was today as the defensive linemen and linebackers took the podium. I did my best to hone in on players who fit what the Cleveland Browns might be looking for in the 2023 NFL Draft to get to know players who could be wearing brown and orange next year.

On a busy morning, I was able to chat with nearly about ten players and picked their brains about some of the things they do well on tape. As these guys continue through the biggest job interview of their career, here are some notes and quotes from today’s media availability.

2023 NFL draft: 3 defensive tackles for Chargers to watch at Combine

Here are a few defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Los Angeles Chargers could target in the draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week, which will bring the 2023 draft class fully into focus, as this is the week of athletic testing, evaluations, and interviews for over 300 prospects.

With the combine ready to set the stage before free agency and the draft, we look at players worth monitoring for the Chargers.

Whether it be players who are options at pick No. 21 or later in the draft, we will pick out some at each position who should test well and generate buzz.

Here are a few interior defensive linemen worth keeping an eye on.

15 2023 NFL Draft prospects for Browns to follow at the NFL Scouting Combine

Who should you be watching at the combine next week?

The Cleveland Browns have holes to fill on their roster as free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft rolls closer. However, before we get there, first comes the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, where general managers, head coaches, and agents are known for wheeling and dealing behind the scenes.

The combine also has massive NFL Draft implications for the Browns as they have needs at defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver before we reach Week 1 of the season. Here are 15 players to keep a close eye on as they travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the biggest job interviews of their lives next week.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 68, Northwestern DL Adetomiwa Adebawore

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Northwestern DL Adetomiwa Adebawore.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers could be losing Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry to free agency this offseason. With those two veterans possibly on their way out, Brian Gutekunst will likely use a draft pick or two on a defensive lineman as he looks to continue to try and find Kenny Clark some help up front.

A player that Gutekunst could target in the 2023 NFL Draft is Adetomiwa Adebawore. The Northwestern defensive lineman checks in at No. 68 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

During his first two years on campus, Adebawore recorded seven tackles for loss and three sacks. As a junior in 2021, Adebawore recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one interception. This past season, Adebawore recorded nine tackles for loss and five sacks. 

“Adebawore was the best defensive player on Northwestern,” Bradley Locker, the editor for Inside NU said. “A trend that continued for at least the last two seasons. Granted, there wasn’t much talent on the defensive side of the ball in Evanston the past two years, but Adebawore was head and shoulders above almost everyone else. He was the lone player able to provide some type of reliable pass rush, leading the Wildcats with 31 pressures and five sacks. For context, the next-closest players had 2.5 sacks and 19 pressures. In an extremely disappointing collective year, Adebawore still shined, earning Third Team All-Big Ten honors.”

At 6-1, 284 pounds, Adebawore may be viewed as a tweener. The “undersized defensive lineman plays with a junkyard dog mentality and his motor is always running. He comes at you with everything he has on each and every rep. He has a lot of power in his frame and that brute strength is a big reason why the Northwestern offensive lineman was No. 30 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List.

“Adebawore’s greatest strength is probably, well, his actual strength,” Locker said. “It was on full display at the Senior Bowl: he’s just extremely tough to block with the power he’s able to generate in his hands. The ‘Cats lined up Adebawore across the DL this year, including 374 snaps outside the tackle, 261 in the B gap, and 75 over tackles, per PFF, and interior may be his best spot at the next level with his leverage and power.”

The Northwestern defensive lineman is a twitchy, power-packed defensive lineman. Adebawore has long arms and always plays lower than the man across from him. Once he gets underneath the offensive lineman and into their pads he drives them back into the quarterback’s lap with his strength. He has strong, heavy hands that jolt linemen. He plays with good bend and lower body flexibility for a man his size. According to Pro Football Focus, the Northwestern defensive lineman recorded 61 pressures over the past two seasons.  

“Adebawore can definitely be disruptive as a pass rusher, but his sack production was disappointing across his career,” Locker said. “Though Adebawore did lead NU easily in pressures, his numbers slotted in at only 19th across the Big Ten. Adebawore can win with quickness, moves, and bend around the edge, but at 6015, that puts him in just the 4th percentile of edge rushers, per Mockdraftable.”

Adebawore is quick off the snap to blow up running plays. He has adequate short-area quickness to evade blockers and make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He uses his long arms to shed blocks and is quick to locate the ball carrier. Adebawore has good closing speed and is relentless in his pursuit of ball carriers. 

“He’s so adept at shedding blocks and making quick stops before runs can pick up even minimal yardage,” Locker said. “It’s no coincidence he had 17.5 tackles for loss and 50 stops combined the last two years. In fact, I think he’s probably a better run defender than pass rusher.”

Fit with the Packers

During the 2012 NFL Draft, the Packers selected Mike Daniels in the fourth round. The Iowa defensive lineman was 6-0, 291 pounds with 32.5-inch arms. 

Daniels was a power-packed defensive lineman that was viewed as an undersized interior defensive lineman. The former fourth-round pick went on to enjoy a successful career for the Packers and quickly became a fan favorite at Lambeau Field. Adebawore has a lot of Daniels in his game with his size, power, and relentless play style. 

“Adebawore can certainly have a similar type of career, and I think he’ll be a really sound pro who makes a team happy by taking him this April,” Locker said. “Going into the season, Adebawore was largely viewed as a Round five-to-seven round pick, but with another good year under his belt and a terrific Senior Bowl week, he’s only trending up. With the ability to play inside or outside, teams should covet his versatility. I’d venture to say Adebawore ends up as a 4i or 3-tech, but he could really play most positions along the defensive line with success at the next level.”

Adebawore was a disruptive interior force for the Wildcats. Playing in the same front seven that features Clark and Rashan Gary, the Northwestern defensive lineman could dominate in one-on-one situations with his power and short-area quickness.

With Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and TJ Slaton, the Packers have solid pieces in place up front. Adebawore could help shore up Green Bay’s run defense, while also bolstering their interior pass rush.

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Browns land top WR and overhaul DL in 2023 NFL Mock Draft

This would be an absolute dream scenario for the Browns.

While the Cleveland Browns do not have a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they do still have a bountiful amount of picks. With eight picks to play with the Browns have a tremendous opportunity to improve weak points at wide receiver and along their defensive line this offseason. While more established names may be found in free agency to add depth to their lineup, the Browns will look to add long-term and young names in the draft as well. As the Browns add defensive linemen Byron Young and Adetomiwa Adebawore in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, what other young talents can they add through the draft?

Podcast: Talking Browns prospects at the Senior Bowl with Jeff Risdon

The draft talk continues to heat up with the main event is less than three months away.

The 2023 NFL Draft process continues as the Senior Bowl in Mobile has come to a close. The Cleveland Browns got a look at plenty of talent on display this past week and I am joined by the great Jeff Risdon to break it all down. We talk about some of my favorite prospects for the Browns as well as surprises and disappointments from the week in Alabama.

Jeff shares his first-hand incite from being at the event as well as some of my takeaways from watching the practice tape. You can listen to the show here for the audio version or watch here to see the video on YouTube.

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