It’s a real mouthful to say his name. Adetomiwa Adebawore takes a little practice to pronounce. It’s even harder to slow down the Northwestern defensive lineman and his momentum up the 2023 NFL draft boards.
After Adebawore’s performance on Tuesday at Northwestern’s pro day, his name should be on the lips of every NFL talent evaluator.
Adebawore continued his torrid offseason at the Wildcats’ pro day. Measuring 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, the freakish level of athleticism he showed in Indianapolis was on full display in Evanston, too. Other than being undersized, Adebawore is a supremely athletic lineman with outstanding testing scores. He’s faster and more agile than several linebackers in this draft class.
Adetomiwa Adebawore had himself a day. Top tier #RAS, and will probably stay in that range even if he doesn't do well in agilities at his pro day. pic.twitter.com/sfRjurvhJM
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 3, 2023
During the Senior Bowl, Adebawore thrived while playing more of a DT role than he did at Northwestern, where he spent more time playing as a supersized end. His initial burst, hand and foot quickness and ability to sink under taller blockers allowed him to dominate as a 3T. He’s got some anchor strength and understands how to use his more compact build to win the leverage battle, and his ability to smoke past slow-footed interior blockers makes those attributes more than good enough.
That’s his optimal NFL usage — think Grady Jarrett of the Falcons or Geno Atkins from the Bengals a few years ago. Atkins went in the fourth round in 2010, while Jarrett was a fifth-rounder in 2015. With his athleticism and youthful promise (he just turned 22), expect to hear his name on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
By the way, it’s pronounced add-E-TOMMY-wah add-E-BARR-eh.