2020 NFL Draft: Justin Herbert goes No. 1 in first-round NFL mock draft
By John Newman
36. Pick Analysis. Defensive End. 28. Scouting Report. Notre Dame. Julian Okwara. player
The Seahawks traded for Jadeveon Clowney before the beginning of the 2019 NFL season. With Clowney being a free agent next season, there isn’t any guarantee that he signs an extension with the Seahawks. There also isn’t any guarantee that the team would offer him one, as they are not a team that typically puts a ton of money into second contracts for guys on the defensive side of the ball. Remember Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman?
Even if the team does decide to keep Clowney beyond this year, his history of injuries and missed games should be concerning to the Seattle front office. That is why in the 2020 NFL draft I believe the Seahawks will invest a nice bit of draft capital in another defensive end.
Julian Okwara, the Notre Dame senior has had a decently productive 2 seasons playing for the Fighting Irish. Last year Okwara had 38 total tackles and 8 sacks, and this year he’s racked up a respectable 18 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles, according to ESPN.
Okwara’s story I think would appeal to the Seahawks organization, as they have a history of taking in players with a less traditional football background. Okwara was born and grew up in Nigeria before moving to the United States in the third grade.
Besides having a unique story and perspective to share, Okwara is a great defensive end for Notre Dame and I believe he would be an even better one in the Seattle system. Defensive end is one of those positions where you can be incredible and disruptive to the offense without recording gaudy numbers.
His bullrush is a sight to behold, as he converts his smaller size into monster speed at the snap. He can also drop into coverage during a linebacker blitz and function as another linebacker, locking down the seam. His ability to play with different speeds and intensities means a creative defensive-minded head coach can find all sorts of interesting assignments in a given game.
That sure sounds like someone Pete Carroll would be interested in. Even if he’s slightly below average weight for the position (240 pounds), his height makes him a force to be reckoned with. If he is available this late in the first round, expect the Seahawks to make a push to draft Okwara in the 2020 NFL draft.