Prospect for the Pack: Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia

Breaking down the draft profile of Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.

Up next is Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia:

What he can do

– Tall, athletic cornerback (6-1, 200); ran 4.45 in the 40-yard dash, hit 36″ in the vertical leap and posted a 6.87 three-cone

– Looks the part on tape; long cornerback who can match up against tall receivers

– Named second-team All-Big Ten in 2019 by the Associated Press

– Deployed almost exclusively in zone coverage due to Iowa’s defensive scheme; played a lot of off coverage

– Not a great tackler, whiffs too often; effort isn’t a question

– Good foot quickness but doesn’t have much tape showing a true backpedal; shows stiff hips; had his back to the sideline with his eyes on the quarterback on many reps

– Shows good instincts; didn’t take many risks but kept everything in front of him, which limited big plays; has average hands and ball skills

– Lots of reps earlier in his career; has played a combined 1,641 defensive snaps over the last three seasons

– Could be better suited in a zone-heavy scheme because of his prior experience

– Finished with six interceptions, 17 passes defensed and 125 total tackles (1.5 for loss) in his college career

How he fits

Mike Pettine loves athletic cornerbacks capable of playing straight man-to-man coverage. Unfortunately, Ojemudia was deployed in zone coverage for the majority of his snaps at Iowa. When the Hawkeyes did deploy man coverage, cornerbacks almost always had safety help over the top.

Because of that, Ojemudia is more of a projection in the Packers’ defensive scheme. Green Bay plays a lot of press-man, and Ojemudia has little experience doing so. That said, he has many of the traits to be a successful man-cover corner. His length, speed and agility all fit the bill here. The technique is what will need to be taught.

NFL comp

PFF compared Ojemudia to current Seahawks cornerback Tre Flowers, a converted safety. Both players are long corners with strong testing numbers, but had a lack of experience in man coverage with flawed technique coming out of college.

Where Packers could get him

Because Ojemudia is a developmental prospect, the Packers could likely wait until the fifth round (No. 175). If they wanted to be sure, grabbing him with their fourth-rounder (No. 136) may be wise.

Previous Prospects for the Pack

WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock
LB Logan Wilson
DL Justin Madubuike
RB Cam Akers
LB Malik Harrison
RB Darrynton Evans
WR Lynn Bowden Jr.
WR Gabriel Davis
LB Josh Uche
CB Trevon Diggs
DB Terrell Burgess
OLB Terrell Lewis
CB A.J. Terrell
WR Quintez Cephus
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
QB Jalen Hurts
WR Tyler Johnson
IOL Cesar Ruiz
DB Ashtyn Davis
WR Quez Watkins
OT Ben Bartch
IOL Matt Hennessy
WR Isaiah Coulter
RB J.K. Dobbins
OT Lucas Niang
RB A.J. Dillon
TE Dalton Keene
DL Jason Strowbridge
TE Adam Trautman
WR Joe Reed

New 7-round mock draft has Cardinals passing on OL, WR completely

The Cardinals get help on offense and defense but not at the positions most people expect.

We are near the end of the mock drafts and this latest from Dane Brugler of The Athletic has the Arizona Cardinals doing the unthinkable. While most would say the Cardinals are certain to focus on two positions — offensive tackle and receiver — Brugler’s seven-round mock draft has them taking neither position at any point in the draft. ‘

Here is this mock draft plays out.

Round 1: Auburn DL Derrick Brown

This definitely would not be the first time Brown is projected to go to the Cardinals. He fills a need and some believe he is one of the best players in the draft. He very possibly is a starter on the defensive line with Corey Peters and Jordan Phillips to open the season. In this mock draft, the only offensive lineman not available is Tristan Wirfs. Will the Cardinals pass on three of the other tackles and all the receivers?

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Colts’ 7-round mock draft 4.0

A full mock draft three weeks out.

The Indianapolis Colts are just a few weeks away from the 2020 NFL draft, which is still scheduled to begin on April 23. As those weeks approach quickly, we will be looking at which prospects might be targets for Indy.

As we enter the month of April, we are getting somewhat of a clearer picture on how the Colts might go about their draft. It’s still a crapshoot, especially this year with everything going on, but it is still fun to take a look at some mock drafts and see what type of hauls the Colts might wind up with.

Here’s a look at another full mock draft for the Colts with the big event just under three weeks away using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator:

Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. runs for a first down against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

No. 34 | Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Colorado

With free agency mostly over and the Colts coming out of what was their busiest time on the open market since Chris Ballard took over, one thing became clear: the Colts are looking to invest heavily into the wide receiver position during the draft.

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How that will fall remains to be seen but in this simulation, the Colts got a tried and true X-receiver. Shenault Jr. might have some concern with the injury that caused him to run a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash at the combine but if he’s available at No. 34, the Colts are going to have to think about choosing him over most other prospects.

Shenault is perfect for the West Coast offense of the Colts. He has the size, strength and explosiveness to work on the outside and his ability to beat the press makes him an ideal pick. He’s extremely savvy after the catch and makes defenders miss with ease.

If Shenault is added to the wide receiver room, the group just got a whole lot more interesting for 2020.

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Colts’ 7-round mock draft 3.0

Entering the month of April, here’s a full mock draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have entered the month of April, which means the 2020 NFL draft is right around the corner—and a new crop of rookies is set to arrive in Indy.

While we still don’t have a true idea of how the Colts will go about their draft, some of the moves in free agency point toward a certain approach when they are on the clock on Day 2.

After heavily addressing the defense in free agency, here’s a look at a mock draft for the Colts entering the month of April using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator:

No. 34 | Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Cleveland already has ties to the Colts in the pre-draft process. He’s had contact with the Colts even though meetings are prohibited in person. Even with Anthony Castonzo returning, Cleveland would be the perfect eventual successor on the left side.

What intrigues Cleveland the most in going to the Colts is his technique on the outside. He’s very proficient in run blocking and has that aggressive, mauler attitude that the Colts love in their offensive linemen.

Couple in the fact that he’s an excellent athlete and he seems like the perfect offensive line prospect in the draft for Indy.

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Why Michael Ojemudia could be a good late round fit for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks love zone corners with length, and Iowa’s Michael Ojemudia could be a target for them in the later rounds.

The Seattle Seahawks addressed a major area of need last week when they traded a fifth round pick to the Washington Redskins in exchange for cornerback Quinton Dunbar.

Dunbar is coming of an excellent season, and should start right away opposite Shaquill Griffin – pushing third-year man Tre Flowers to the bench.

However, the Seahawks likely aren’t done adding defensive backs to the roster, as last year’s backups – Neiko Thorpe and Akeem King – are both unrestricted free agents.

Now that Seattle does not need to look for front of the line starters in either the draft or free agency, adding more depth to their secondary will be a big key for this team’s offseason going forward.

No stranger to finding defensive back gems in the later rounds of the NFL draft, John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll will no doubt have their eyes peeled for a lengthy DB with one of their final picks in April’s draft.

One of the many options they will likely consider is Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia.

Ojemudia is six-foot-one with 32 1/4 inch long arms, giving him the required length to play cover-3 in Carroll’s scheme.

Scouting reports like his length, physicality and awareness in zone coverage, although he is lacking the instinct and burst to be successful in man coverage – once again making him a good fit for the Seahawks.

He’s unlikely to challenge for a starting role right away – if at all – but as a depth corner and core special teamer, Ojemudia is a good fit right away for Seattle.

Plus, coach Carroll can put his ability to turn non-prospect corners with length into superstars to the test if they pursue Ojemudia.

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2020 NFL draft: Michael Ojemudia scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Iowa cornerback prospect Michael Ojemudia

Michael Ojemudia | CB | Iowa

Elevator Pitch

Ojemudia is a lengthy, fluid and intelligent cornerback who offers potential as a boundary corner at the next level. He isn’t a great tackler and his speed is average on tape, so that may knock his stock a little bit, but he has the tools to develop into a solid starter at the next level.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 200

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Iowa has produced plenty of talented defensive backs in recent years, and Ojemudia looks to be the next product in that assembly line of defenders.

At 6-foot-1 with a long wingspan, Ojemudia possesses plenty of length that gives him upside playing on the boundary. He isn’t afraid of getting physical at the line of scrimmage, as he has shown the ability to engage with receivers in quick-jam press and lock them up right at the snap. He can fight through box-out attempts pretty well too, which helps him out in jump-ball situations and when defending routes across the middle of the field in man coverage. Ojemudia complements that length and physicality with solid overall fluidity, as he can flip his hips well and change direction fluidly for his size. He plays with good footwork and pad level in his backpedal and has good overall patience in coverage.

Ojemudia isn’t just a tools prospect; he offers a high football IQ and instincts in man coverage. He is quick to read the eyes of the quarterback and diagnose the play, allowing him to act upon his reads to make a play on the ball. He tracks the ball down well and has impressive ball skills for the cornerback position. When engaged in tight man coverage, he is able to get his hands inside the frame of the opposition pretty well. He has a good feel for his safeties’ responsibilities, so he is able to determine what decision to make in zone coverage to ensure the opposing team doesn’t march down the field. The production is there with him, as well: he had 6 interceptions and 15 pass deflections in his last two seasons at Iowa.

Weaknesses

Though Ojemudia ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Combine, his game speed isn’t necessarily reflective of that time. He doesn’t have stellar long speed when guarding vertical routes and can struggle against speedy wideouts in man coverage. He has enough quickness to be serviceable in that regard, but a lack of top-end athletic ability will likely limit him to guarding ‘X’ receivers on the boundary in the pros. He can be a bit too cushiony in zone coverage at times, and he doesn’t always have the downhill acceleration to effectively jump routes with consistency.

Ojemudia also struggles as a run defender. He doesn’t take very good angles as a tackler, and the effort with which he plays in run support is pretty lackluster on a down-by-down basis. His form isn’t all that polished, and he can stand to improve his ability to get his weight underneath him and play with good pad level as a tackler. He also can get better at shedding blocks.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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Meet Michael Ojemudia, Iowa’s versatile DB prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Iowa defensive back prospect Michael Ojemudia

Today’s NFL requires much from their defensive backs, from size and length to athleticism and versatility. If your favorite NFL team is looking for that kind of prospect in the 2020 NFL draft, Iowa’s Michael Ojemudia checks every box.

A big, athletic corner who showed off at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Ojemudia recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience in Indy, how playing at Iowa prepared him for the pro ranks, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

MJ: It was a good experience. I was happy to get that part of the process out of the way. It’s all football from here on out. It was an opportunity to showcase myself on the biggest stage.

JM: You ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds and leaped a 36-inch vertical. I thought you had an excellent combine. How would you grade your overall performance?

MJ: I think it was solid. Those weren’t the best numbers that I’m capable of. I’m capable of more but I put up the best numbers possible given the conditions we were put in. I think that it was solid for me. I’m happy with my performance.

JM: When you say conditions, are you referring to the new prime-time schedule, or just how busy of a weekend it is?

MJ: Yeah, I’m just referring to the overall schedule. They keep you busy. You’re not at your peak performance. You’re not sleeping right, you’re not eating right. That’s what I mean when I refer to the conditions.

JM: What do you think is the impression you left out there?

MJ: Nobody should be questioning my athletic ability anymore. I definitely put those concerns or questions to rest. I think that I showed in my interviews that I’m a good football player and that I love the game.

JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal interviews in Indianapolis?

MJ: I spoke with a lot of teams. I think it went well. I didn’t have any formals. I probably had informals with all 32 teams though.

JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts lined up? Or will those come after the Pro Day?

MJ: We’re in the process of scheduling some of those. We’re just having the initial discussions. I’m actually still in school. I’ll be graduating in May. We’re starting to nail some things down. My pro day is on March 23rd.

JM: That’s great. What was the strangest or most difficult question you were asked at the combine?

MJ: That’s a tough question. It’s been a process. I’ve had so many meetings and discussions. They definitely wanna catch you off guard a little bit. For example, at the Senior Bowl I had a team ask me which part of the Senior Bowl do I hate the most? That was kinda weird. A question like that is difficult to answer.

JM: Is there a scheme that you prefer to play in at the next level?

MJ: No, not really. I think throughout my time at Iowa and even at the Senior Bowl, I’ve been exposed to a lot of things. I’ve played for a lot of different coaches and I’ve picked up something from every single one of them. I’ve learned a lot throughout the past few years. Whatever I play in at the next level, I feel good about my ability to adapt and learn a new system. I feel like I have at least some familiarity with every scheme out there.

JM: How do you cover a bigger, more physical receiver differently than you would a smaller, shiftier one?

MJ: You definitely have to be physical with those bigger guys. They’re gonna try to push off at the top of their routes. I’ve always been mindful of that. You have to be physical at the line of scrimmage because I know they’re gonna be physical off the snap. I have to use my hands and be a little sturdier with them.

JM: Who are some of the best wide receivers you’ve ever had to cover?

MJ: Michael Pittman, Jr. definitely comes to mind. Quintez Cephus from Wisconsin was a good one. Those are some guys I had to cove while playing for Iowa. I had to cover a whole bunch of good ones down at the Senior Bowl. Van Jefferson was really good. Denzel Mims is definitely another one. I played against better receivers at the Senior Bowl than I did during my time at Iowa.

JM: Speaking of your time at Iowa, if you had to go into battle tomorrow and could only bring one teammate with you, who would it be and why?

MJ: I would definitely bring Geno Stone with me. We’re always on the same page. We always watch film together. We actually live with each other. We work out together. We actually trained for the combine together. He’s just somebody that I’m super close with. I would definitely go to battle with him.

JM: When a team uses a draft pick on Michael Ojemudia, what kind of guy are they getting?

MJ: They’re definitely getting a guy that loves the game of football. I’m gonna work as hard as the guy next to me. I’m never gonna let anybody down. I’m gonna be the most physical defensive back out there. I’m a competitive, smart player at the end of the day. They’re gonna get my best. I wanna be on the field as soon as I can. I’m gonna do everything I can to contribute immediately, even if that means I’m playing special teams. That’s the kind of player I am.

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Bears trade down, add OL, TE, CB in new 3-round mock draft

In a new mock draft, the Bears trade down to accumulate an additional pick and address 3 needs in offensive line, tight end and cornerback.

With no shortage of needs on Chicago’s roster — from offensive line to edge rusher to tight end to defensive back — the Bears should be able to add some effective pieces to this roster in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Bears are once again without a first-round pick (which was sent to the Raiders in the Khalil Mack trade.) But they do have two of second round selections in the top-150, and general manager Ryan Pace needs to make them count.

In The Draft Network’s newest three-round mock draft, Kyle Crabbs has the Bears trading down in the second round to accumulate an additional pick and address three important needs in offensive line, tight end and cornerback.

With the 43rd overall pick, Crabbs has Chicago selecting Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson. With Kyle Long’s retirement, there’s a vacancy at right guard, and the Bears could turn to the NFL Draft to address it.

The Chicago Bears need depth in the middle after the retirement of Kyle Long. Jonah Jackson might be the best plug-and-play guard in the draft.

Pace has garnered a reputation for locking in on his guy and trading up to get him, whether that’s Mitchell Trubisky, Anthony Miller or David Montgomery. But something he’s not known for is trading down to accumulate picks.

Crabbs has the Bears trading with the Ravens, where Chicago would receive Baltimore’s 60th pick and their third-round selection at pick No. 92.

With that 60th selection, Crabbs has the Bears selecting arguably the best tight end in the NFL Draft in Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet. Following an abysmal collective outing by Bears tight ends in 2019, Pace is exploring all options to better the position.

Chicago needs more from the tight end position after swinging and missing on Adam Shaheen. Cole Kmet is the cleanest “in-line” prospect at the position to project to the pro level.

Finally, with that third-round pick acquired in a trade with Baltimore, Crabbs has the Bears selecting Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia with the 92nd pick. After releasing Prince Amukamara to free up salary cap space, the Bears need to address the vacant cornerback spot opposite Kyle Fuller.

The Bears’ secondary bid farewell to Prince Amukamara this offseason. Michael Ojemudia is a comparable athlete at a comparable size.

The Bears currently have seven draft picks, and they’re projected to add a fourth-round compensatory selection to the list.

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2020 NFL Combine winners: Cornerbacks

Examining and identifying the top on-field cornerbacks performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine concluded their on-field drills on Sunday, this time featuring cornerbacks and safeties. The cornerbacks were first up and didn’t disappoint.

The Lions have a need at corner immediately and potentially long-term depending on what their plans are for Darius Slay, so they were surely looking at this group with high hopes. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks.

Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State

6-1, 205, 40 y/d: 4.48, vertical: 41″, broad: 11’3″

In a recent article, I broke down how Okudah’s performance in every Combine drill added to his already sterling resume that he built over his senior season. In a nutshell, my conclusion was that he is firmly in the mix for the Lions and would be worth the No. 3 overall pick.

Okudah back pedaling and flipping hips pic.twitter.com/x8acqM2Ayv

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 1, 2020

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C.J. Henderson, Florida

6-0.5, 204, 40 y/d: 4.39, vertical 37.5, broad: 10’7″

Like Okudah, the Lions reportedly had a meeting with Henderson at the Combine, showing they are doing their homework on the draft’s top cornerbacks. When Henderson took the field in Indianapolis, he put his best foot forward and had a terrific day in timed drills, measurables, and in on-field drills.

On the NFL Network broadcast, Daniels Jeremiah mentioned that he believes Henderson could be “the second corner drafted” indicating that “he’s gonna end up going in the top 15.” If that is his true draft slot, he would be selected almost directly in between the Lions’ first and second-round picks, making the odds of landing him unlikely.

A.J. Terrell, Clemson

6-1, 195, 40y/d: 4.42, vertical: 34.5, broad: 10’9″

The last time most analysts and fans saw Terrell, he was on the wrong end of the National Championship game in what was a difficult night overall for the Tigers. If there were concerns about his performance that night, he helped right the ship at the Combine. Terrell looked smooth in his backpedal, showed off his body control and reliable hands in drills His combination of body type, comfort in press coverage, and athletic ability fits a lot of what the Lions look for in an outside corner.

Michael Ojemudia, Iowa

6-0.5, 200, 40y/d: 4.45, vertical: 36″, broad: 10’2″, 3-cone: 6.87

I don’t want to call Ojemudia a sleeper, as he has been someone the Lions have shown interest in previously, but if the Lions are more interested in a developmental Day 3 corner rather than one at the top of the draft, he’s the guy.

At the Combine, Ojemudia checked every measurable box the Lions look for, height, weight, speed, explosion, and of course the all-important 3-cone time. Add in his Iowa background and there’s a lot to like from the Lions perspective.

Bears target offense, secondary in Matt Miller’s 7-round mock draft

The Bears have plenty of needs to address this offseason, and they could certainly find some answers in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Matt Miller released his first seven-round mock draft, which featured some intriguing prospects for the Bears’ 2020 draft class.

Everything from quarterback to tight end to defensive back to offensive line was addressed, as the Bears need some fixes if they’re to have any hope at playoff contention in 2020.

Let’s break down Miller’s first seven-round mock draft featuring eight Bears selections:

2nd Round, No. 43: TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

The Bears are certainly in need of a tight end that can bring production to the passing game. There are no shortage of tight end prospects that have been linked to the Bears, including Vandy’s Jared Pinkney and Dayton’s Adam Trautman. But another top tight end prospect that the Bears have already met with is Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins, who some argue is the best tight end in the NFL Draft.

Hopkins had 830 yards and six touchdowns with Purdue this season, which is the kind of production the Bears are seeking from the position. He would be the perfect fit for Matt Nagy’s “U” tight end. He’s a strong route runner and also brings explosiveness to the position.

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