2021 NFL Draft OLB rankings: Zaven Collins tops Micah Parsons for top spot
By John Blair
5. Joseph Ossai, Texas
6-foot-4, 256 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Second round
Joseph Ossai has been a productive player despite seeing time at different positions on the Texas defense.
In 2019, he played middle linebacker and registered 62 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two picks. He then moved to outside linebacker in 2020 and had an All-American season leading the Longhorns in tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles.
He finished his college career off by posting some impressive numbers at Texas’s Pro Day including a 41.5 -inch vertical jump and a 131.5-inch broad jump.
The thing that sticks out as soon as you turn the film on with Ossai is his non-stop motor. He is a player that never stops and has made his share of plays with outstanding effort. This effort really helps him when it comes to rushing the passer as does his good hand use and overall quickness.
While he is not the strongest outside linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft he does show a violent punch and can beat tackles with both a bullrush and long arm.
One of the big questions with Ossai is where do you play him in the NFL? While he had a very good year as an outside linebacker last season he does have some concerns about his ability to be an outside linebacker in the NFL. The biggest concern is his ability to hold up in coverage as he has tight hips which limit his potential in this area. He also has some issues when it comes to getting off blocks.
One team that would make a lot of sense for Ossai is the Tennessee Titans who have already shown a strong interest in him. He would be a good fit for the Titans as he would be allowed to play outside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defense which is his best fit in the NFL.