2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Giants 3-round mock 4.0
By Sean Dyer
Pick Analysis. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. 31. Scouting Report. EDGE. Oklahoma. 2. player
James Bettcher is the new defensive coordinator for the New York Giants and he’ll be bringing his 3-4 defensive scheme with him.
The Giants have players on their roster who can adjust to new roles in Bettcher’s defense, but they could use another stand-up pass rusher.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo played mostly defensive end at Oklahoma but he doesn’t have the size to play on the line of scrimmage in the NFL.
At 6’1 and only 242 lb, Okoronkwo is better off at outside linebacker where he can use his speed to bend the edge. Okoronkwo has good quickness off the snap and his ability to change directions make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
Okoronkwo can use his speed rush to bend the edge, set blockers up with his speed before countering inside, or beat them with his spin move. With multiple pass rush moves, it’s no wonder Okoronkwo had 20.0 career sacks.
Okoronkwo has a high motor and can set the edge in the run game and registered 33.0 career tackles for loss.
Luke Easterling of Draft Wire isn’t worried about Okoronkwo’s lack of size:
"Anyone who calls Okoronkwo “undersized” probably never had to line up across from him and keep him from getting to the quarterback. What he lacks in size, Okoronkwo more than makes up for in every other area of his game, proving to be a frustrating assignment for any blocker. Okoronkwo uses his shorter frame to his advantage, getting consistent bend and turning his low center of gravity into a weapon against bigger offensive tackles. He’s a productive, disruptive playmaker, having tallied 29.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks and five forced fumbles over the past two seasons, and he shouldn’t be overlooked on draft weekend."
Olivier Vernon seems like he will line up as a stand-up edge rusher in Bettcher’s defense but Jason Pierre-Paul’s role is still a mystery. If JPP lines up at defensive end, Okoronkwo could line up over his shoulder at outside linebacker, creating a tough pass-rushing duo for opposing offensive tackles.