NFL Draft 2021: Dallas Cowboys pick Osa Odighizuwa at 75 – DT or DE?

The Dallas Cowboys needed a defensive tackle in the draft and at pick, 75 stood pat and grabbed a lighter one in Osa Odighizuwa.

The Dallas Cowboys have been poor against the run and the defensive line needed an infusion so they pick Osa Odighizuwa. With what many thought would be a more traditional 1-technique defensive tackle, the Cowboys decided to go back to the smaller, faster, defensive tackle and hope his speed can cover what he lacked in size or they see him more as an edge. A little head-scratching in terms of what they needed versus what they got, but there are some things to like.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Osa Odighizuwa in the third round but his position is in question

The positives to Odighizuwa are he never takes plays off and I mean that in both coming off the field and in his motor. He tracks the football pretty well and looks for lanes to cut through to get to the ball carrier. He does an excellent job of getting his hands up in passing lanes as he explodes into a gap. He keeps his hips low so has a good anchor and has good speed to power when he gets going. He can play multiple positions along the line which will help him find a role.

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The downsides are he can get too upright and will get slowed down on blocks when he does this. His hands are really inconsistent and it will sometimes get him in trouble against bigger linemen. Against the run, he can get impatient and take himself out of a play or get pushed off his spot if the lineman can get under him with his pad levels. He needs more pass rush moves to be consistent in his pressure, which has accounted for only 11.5 sacks in four years with no more than four in any season.

Osa Odighizuwa fits a need for the Cowboys to add to the defensive line, but may not be the size or power against the run many fans would have wanted. He has the chance to crack the rotation early due to his motor and stamina. His ability to get into passing lanes is nice to have on clear passing downs. He might find the field sooner at edge as he has the experience to play across the line.

• Published on 05/01/2021 at 02:35 AM
• Last updated at 05/01/2021 at 02:35 AM