A possible first-round choose within the 2022 NFL Draft, edge rusher David Ojabo reportedly suffered an obvious leg damage on the 2022 Michigan Professional Day. Right here’s what we all know in regards to the state of affairs, and the way an damage this late would possibly have an effect on Ojabo’s inventory.
David Ojabo suffers damage at Michigan Professional Day
The Michigan Wolverines professional day occurred on Friday, March 18. Ojabo already participated in athletic testing on the NFL Mix, the place he logged a 4.55 40-yard sprint, a 35″ vertical, and a 122″ broad bounce at 6’4″, 250 kilos, with 33.5″ arms. Ojabo has already confirmed his elite athleticism, each on tape and on the Mix. However the professional day was a possibility for him to undergo drills once more and showcase his expertise in entrance of scouts.
Professional days don’t current main well being dangers, however there’s all the time the prospect of a non-contact damage with drills. And sadly for Ojabo, that’s what occurred at his professional day. In response to studies from NFL Community’s Jeffri Chadiha, Ojabo suffered a leg damage throughout a move dashing drill. Sooner or later in the course of the drill, he fell to the turf clutching his left leg. Chadiha’s report didn’t distinguish what a part of the leg was injured, however regardless, Ojabo wanted help from the trainers to stroll off the sector.
NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the report that Ojabo sustained an damage, and limped off the sector with the assistance of trainers. When there’s extra readability concerning the damage, this text can be up to date.
Ojabo is a first-round prospect exterior of damage
There’s nonetheless extra to study in regards to the severity of the damage sustained by Ojabo. There’s an opportunity it might be a minor pressure, which wouldn’t threaten his 2021 availability or long-term outlook. But when it’s one thing extra severe, it might have an effect on Ojabo’s draft inventory in April.
Even so, if groups have faith that Ojabo could make a full restoration, then he should go Spherical 1. His expertise alone is greater than deserving of first-round consideration. And actually, Ojabo has been generally mocked in Spherical 1 for the reason that begin of his breakout in 2021.
Athletic make-up grants uncommon upside
Ojabo’s distinctive attraction comes as a high-level pass-rushing menace. At 6’4″, 250 kilos, with 33.5″ arms, Ojabo has dimension and size, however he additionally has a uncommon mix of explosiveness, lateral agility, flexibility, and twitch. His burst and size mix to type nice energy technology capability, and he’s trending up along with his hand utilization.
Some, myself included, have Ojabo ranked forward of Aidan Hutchinson as a pure prospect. Hutchinson is a extra refined participant and a greater run defender, however Ojabo presents extra upside. Nonetheless, it’s lengthy been accepted that Hutchinson will go earlier than Ojabo within the NFL Draft. And this damage might make the gulf between them even bigger.
Hopefully, Ojabo’s damage isn’t severe, and he could make a full restoration. As a result of when he’s wholesome, he generally is a prime expertise.
This story can be up to date as extra information on Ojabo’s standing involves mild.
