BJ Ojulari is Worth Your First Round Pick

First Round Mock welcomes NFL Draft Analyst Thomas Morris to our staff of writers and right off the bat he calls it like he sees it about LSU defender BJ Ojulari.

Lets’s get right into it

BJ Ojulari 6-foot-3 244 pounds Edge/LB

LSU edge BJ Ojulari seems to get lost in the shuffle when speaking about pass rushers in this upcoming draft, but don’t let that fool you, he’s got the makings of something special.

Ojulari seemed to get better every season during his career in college, but even now he still does have some areas In need of improvement.

This should leave many teams foaming at the mouth because of his success in spite of these flaws.

A First-Round Talent

With the right coaching and development Ojulari could become great in the NFL, but because he will need to improve and develop, many teams could be reluctant and would want the safer options at pass rusher.

Another reason he could fall is due to how deep this draft class is with edge talent.

Even with this, Ojulari could still easily sneak inside the top-10. This could especially happen if some team falls in love with him. Either that, or he tests out well at the Scouting Combine.

While he may not have the elite length some NFL teams look for in an edge rusher, Ojulari makes up for it in his speed and pass rush technique.

Experience isn’t an issue with this LSU defender either, due to him registering 1,000 plus snaps during his college career.

While some may be cautious due to his run stopping ability, he disrupts the offensive line enough to cause problems in the run game regardless.

Some of his notated faults could also have something to do with the multiple defensive coordinators coaching him during his tenure.

Dangerous Pass Rush Capability

No matter what technique he uses, he has the ability to get to the quarterback.

Ojulari’s spin move is the best in the draft simple as that.

What else does he bring to the field?

✓ Violent hands and the ability to use them to get leverage against the blocker

✓ Explosiveness off the edge

✓ Can lull blockers to sleep and catch them off guard by using his fake spin move

✓ Can get under larger lineman with his bend at the risk of being neutralized completely

Will Ojulari go Top-10?

His resume and production during his time at LSU could be enough for him to sneak inside the top-10 on draft day, but because of the deep edge class this year, he could also end up falling pretty far.

Teams could be reluctant because he is somewhat undersized for defensive end, which could also effect his draft stock.

Where Does He Fit in?

Ojuari undoubtedly has the ability to make noise in the NFL, especially with his pass rushing ability.

His other skills like dropping into coverage and run support may need work. However, they can be improved with the right coaching .

He has all the characteristics to eventually become a defensive leader of a team.

Send the card in based on this game film study

Draft Grade: Late First Round-Early Second Round

Games Evaluated: (click to view games used to form this evaluation)

Alabama ’22

Tennessee ’22

Georgia ’22

A team in need of a disruptive pass rusher should not pass up Ojulari if given the chance, especially if he falls to the late first round.

Thomas Morris is a lifelong football fan that has an immense passion for the game and prides himself on having an eye for talent throughout all 7 rounds of the draft. He’s a dedicated Seahawks and South Carolina Gamecocks’ fan that has an instinct for discovering gems in the later rounds.  He writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering the NFL draft and can be found on Twitter @tjm2332.