2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: PAC-12 Conference
By Kyle Edmond
UCLA – Osa Odighizuwa, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Senior
A lesser-known prospect out of UCLA, Osa Odighizuwa has enough skills that should draw the attention of NFL scouts for the potential he brings. Each season with UCLA his stats have continued to improve, putting him in the fold for a late-round pick that could blossom into a solid rotational player on any defensive line.
During the 2019 season, Odighizuwa was tied for the team-lead in tackles for loss, logging 10 on the season. As for before that, during the 2018 season, he was tied for third on the team with six and the 2017 season he had 5.5, which tied for fifth on the team.
If tackles for loss aren’t enough, take his sacks as well. In 2017 he was tied for fourth on the team as one of nine players to have a single sack. However, in 2018 that number jumped up to three, tied for second on the team, before reaching 3.5 last year.
At 6’2″, 279 according to the UCLA roster, he’s a bit undersized. However, should he be able to put on a little weight, he could make a strong rotational defensive tackle at the NFL level. His ability to get into the backfield for stops or sacks is a depth piece that teams will also try and find, and in most cases reach for.