NewsBot
New Member
- Messages
- 111,281
- Reaction score
- 2,947
DeMarcus Lawrence showed some flashes toward the end of the season, but it wasn't enough, as the Cowboys' lack of a consistent pass rush manifested itself in the loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.
With the NFL draft on the horizon, it appears as though the Cowboys are doing everything in their power to make sure that doesn't happen again. They signed the much-maligned Greg Hardy to a one-year deal, and they brought in six defensive ends as national predraft visitors.
The Cowboys want to improve the talent level at the defensive end position, and this draft is the perfect opportunity to do just that. This draft is loaded with defensive end prospects who could potentially make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. However, one stands out as a player who could realistically be available at No. 27 and produce at a high level for Dallas: Owamagbe Odighizuwa.
Now, let's take a look at the type of talent Odighizuwa brings when he steps on the field.
Owamagbe Odighizuwa's Talent
When he enrolled at UCLA, Odighizuwa was a highly touted defensive end who was supposed to rack up gaudy stats throughout his career at UCLA. However, two hip surgeries limited him just as he was starting to blossom.
After a year off to recover from his consecutive hip surgeries, Odighizuwa showcased the type of talent that UCLA dreamed of when he committed back in 2010. Even though he may not have the gaudy stats that some of his contemporaries have, Odighizuwa made just as big of an impact against the run and pass in the country.
The reason that Odighizuwa didn't fill up the box scores was because of UCLA's defensive scheme. UCLA employs a two-gapping system for the defensive line, which means that the defensive linemen were tasked with playing the gap to each side of the offensive lineman they were lined up across. This involves a lot of reading and reacting to a play instead of just exploding upfield.
Odighizuwa lined up primarily at the 4i-technique, which basically eliminates any chance Odighizuwa has to provide a consistent pass rush. Only on occasion was Odighizuwa allowed to play in more traditional defensive end alignments, which give him better opportunities to rush the passer.
Despite these schematic disadvantages, the 2014 co-captain still made his presence felt throughout each game in ways that translate extremely well to the NFL.
Primarily, Odighizuwa used his length, strength and power to dominate offensive linemen at the point of attack and make plays in the run game.
Here is a great example of Odighizuwa doing just that:
Odighizuwa aligns as the left defensive end at a 4i-technique. When the ball is snapped, Odighizuwa keeps a low pad level, fires his hands inside and rolls his hips through the contact, which allows him to generate a great deal of power and stand up the right tackle. The fullback clears Odighizuwa out of his gap; however, Odighizuwa’s ability to hold up at the point of attack clogs his running lane and forces him to bounce the ball outside where Odighizuwa disengages off his block and makes the tackle for loss.
Notice how Odighizuwa kept a good base with good pad level throughout the play. Also, take note of how Odighizuwa uses his length to create separation between him and the offensive tackle, so he can easily disengage and take down the ball-carrier.
Nevertheless, Odighizuwa's power and strength don't just manifest themselves in the run game; he also uses them quite well as a pass-rusher.
This play illustrates Odighizuwa's ability as a power-rusher:
On this play, Odighizuwa plays in a traditional alignment, outside shade of the left tackle, that will give him a good opportunity to rush the passer. When the ball is snapped, he fires off the line of scrimmage with a great first step. On his third step, he shoots his hands inside and engages with the left tackle. He rolls his hips through contact and drives his legs as he executes a bull rush. Odighizuwa puts the offensive tackle on skates as he walks the tackle into the quarterback’s lap.
Odighizuwa doesn't get to the quarterback and likely didn't even register a hurry on this play. Nevertheless, his pass rush didn't allow the quarterback to step into his throw, which ended up short of the intended receiver. This play won't show up on a stat sheet, but it was disruptive and resulted in a negative play for the offense.
While Odighizuwa is known for his power ability, he is also a great athlete. In fact, he was one of the best testers among defensive ends at the NFL Scouting Combine.
While UCLA's scheme doesn't allow him to showcase that athleticism on a regular basis, he did flash glimpses of his explosive athletic ability.
This is one of the plays where Odighizuwa flashed his athletic ability:
Odighizuwa once again aligns as the left defensive end at the 4i-technique. After the ball is snapped, Odighizuwa accelerates into the B-gap so quickly that the right tackle can't recover with his post step quick enough. As the right tackle attempts to push Odighizuwa to disrupt his route to the quarterback, he performs a rip move to get the tackle’s hands off him. From there, Odighizuwa finishes the play and gets the sack.
The only negatives surrounding Odighizuwa are his injury history and lack of bend to get around the edge. The fact that Odighizuwa has already had two hip surgeries (one on each hip) will scare away some prospective teams. Furthermore, those hip surgeries have significantly hindered his flexibility to bend around the tackle when he reaches the apex of the pocket.
Nevertheless, Odighizuwa is an impressive combination of hands, size and strength. He can be a productive power-rusher at the next level who thrives in run support.
Where Does Owamagbe Odighizuwa Fit in Dallas?
In Rod Marinelli's scheme, there is a distinct difference in the type of players he wants at the left and right defensive end positions.
The right defensive end position is where he looks for the dynamic and athletic pass-rusher, while the left defensive end position is designated for the powerful defensive end who is a better run defender.
Both defensive ends have similar responsibilities, as they are both one-gap defenders who are taught to get upfield through their gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield.
At 6'3" and 267 pounds with 33 ¾" arms, Odighizuwa best fits at the left defensive end position for the Cowboys. Furthermore, Odighizuwa's lack of bend makes him a better fit for the left side, where he will be asked to use his power much more often. Odighizuwa would likely rotate with either Lawrence or Mincey in their base defense while also giving Marinelli the option to kick him inside to defensive tackle in obvious passing situations.
The only people who would be upset with the Cowboys selecting the UCLA defensive end would be the Cowboys beat writers because they would be forced to spell out "Owamagbe Odighizuwa" on a consistent basis.
The defensive end position was one of weakness last year, but with the additions of Odighizuwa and Hardy, it would become a strength.
Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com
Continue reading...