2021 NFL Draft: Jets, Panthers fill QB need in three-round mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 26th overall
Azeez Ojulari. 26. player. 53. Scouting Report. EDGE. Georgia. Pick Analysis
The Cleveland Browns have an obvious need at the off-ball linebacker position and they will likely look to address the position at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft. That being said, this is an analytically-driven organization. While there are certainly linebackers worthy of being taken in this range, I just don’t see Cleveland taking an under-valued position like linebacker so early.
Instead, the Browns make a major investment at the edge rusher position here, adding Azeez Ojulari to the mix. Ojulari is an extremely exciting EDGE prospect who took his game to the next level throughout the 2020 season.
He is a long and athletic edge rusher who wins with an explosive first step and changes directions in an instant. Ojulari shows great natural hand usage and a wide array of pass-rush moves. He dips around the edge with ease and closes on the quarterback in an instant.
As exciting as Ojulari is as a pass rusher, do not sleep on his ability to compete against the run. Ojulari consistently sets a strong edge and is a high-motor player who can chase down the ball carrier from long distances. Make no mistake about it, this is an extremely gifted player who could come in and make a massive immediate impact for this team.
In Myles Garrett, the Browns already have one of the best edge rushers in the entire NFL. That being said, Olivier Vernon is set to hit free agency this offseason, leaving a potential hole at the edge rusher position for Cleveland. Adding Ojulari to the mix would fill that hole with an exciting prospect with a ton of long-term upside.