Alex Okafor, DE, Texas Longhorns: 2013 NFL Draft Player Profile

Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) follows the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 264 pounds

Position Rank: 4

Drafted By: Arizona Cardinals (4th round, 103rd overall)

40 Yard Dash:  DNP

Bench Press:  21

Vertical Jump:  DNP

Broad Jump:  DNP

2012 Stats

Career Highlights (via Texas athletic site)

A four-year player who appeared in 52 games on the defensive line, including 33 starts … a highly-decorated and durable three-year starting defensive end … had a 32-game starting streak end in the 2012 Kansas State game due to injury … a two-time first team All-Big 12 choice (2011-12) … 2012 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by CBSSports.com … named to the 2012 Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and CFPA Defensive Lineman of the Year Trophy watch lists … voted 2012 team captain (along with Kenny Vaccaro) at the end of the regular season … earned defensive MVP honors in the 2012 Alamo Bowl after posting a record 4.5 sacks … named to ESPN.com’s and SI.com’s 2012 All-Bowl team … selected to play in the 2013 Senior Bowl … tabbed 2012 preseason first-team All-America by Athlon, Blue Ribbon and Phil Steele magazines … a 2011 AFCA FBS Coaches’ All-American … unanimous 2011 first team All-Big 12 selection (Coaches) … also named first team All-Big 12 (AP, Kansas City Star, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) and second team (San Antonio Express-News) … was on the 2011 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award watch list … transitioned back to full-time defensive end from defensive tackle in the spring of 2011 … named to the All-Big 12 freshman team by Sporting News … enrolled in January ’09 and took part in spring drills … a prep All-American … started in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl … ranked as the nation’s top defensive end by Rivals … a two-time academic all-district selection … a three-time member of UT’s Athletics Director’s Honor Roll.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Complete defensive end prospect who can be dominant as a pass rusher or setting the edge against the run. Texas has underachieved in his senior season, but Okafor’s production has not dipped. The Senior end has had 43 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks through the team’s first nine games. He is a very powerful end with great overall size and length, and he is really improving at diagnosing plays. He has scheme versatility, able to play outside with his hand in the dirt or standing up as an outside linebacker. He also has some experience kicking inside and playing defensive tackle, though I don’t think that’s where he’ll find his niche in the NFL. He has good size already, but I think he has the frame to add some more weight and be an even more effective defensive end at the next level. He is somewhat of an old-school player in that he’s not overly flashy, but he’s really productive. Managed to stay productive even after Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season. Jeffcoat’s production helped get Okafor some better matchups, but he’s been good even after the sophomore sensation went down. In the end, I think Okafor is going to be one of the top overall defenders available for the 2013 NFL draft, and will be one of the best defensive ends to come out.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)