With the No. 52 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
In the modern NFL, the name of the game for defensive players seems to be versatility. Enter arguably the draft's most versatile defensive prospect, Owusu-Koramoah.
After a sluggish start to his career, the linebacker-safety hybrid came into his own the past two seasons for the Fighting Irish, producing a mountain of impressive game tape fueled by his hard-hitting and disruptive style.
But versatility can be a double-edged sword if it's not harnessed properly. Some prospects who have profiled as 'tweeners or Swiss Army Knifes have struggled to carve out a role in the NFL.
As always, fit is paramount.
Here's what JOK brings to his new team:
Measurables: 6'1 1/2"/220
School: Notre Dame
2020 stats: 12 games, 62 tackles (42 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble returned for touchdown
Accolades: 2020 Unanimous All-American; 2020 ACC Defensive Player of the Year; 2020 First-Team All-ACC; 2020 Butkus Award winner
Strengths:
- Dynamic athlete with coveted combination of size, speed and explosiveness
- Excelled in pass coverage, according to advanced stats
- Strong instincts allow him to harness athleticism into game-changing plays
Weaknesses:
- Playing too fast leads to occasional over-pursuit
- Tackling can be spotty
- Looks somewhat unnatural when lined up at linebacker
- Too light to consistently engage stronger blockers in the box
- Only two years' experience -- redshirted as a freshman and was limited to two games as a sophomore due to foot injury
Expert scout analysis:
- "When you combine his athleticism with the effort and intensity ... you get one heck of a football player" -- Mark Schofield, Touchdown Wire
- "His athletic traits, versatility and playmaking demeanor give him a chance to become the most impactful defender in this draft" -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
- "Football smart and real-world smart. Strong, hardened work ethic. Was asked to handle a lot and constantly delivered results" -- Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports
Tape:
Player comparison: Kam Chancellor
Owusu-Koramoah would likely be pleased to follow in the footsteps of Chancellor, a fellow native Virginian. Kam-Chan was a linchpin for the Seahawks' Legion of Boom defense last decade, bringing the wood in the box as an athletic, oversized defensive back while still holding his own in coverage. He went to four Pro Bowls in his eight-year career.
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