Report: Cardinals have private meeting with DL Emmanuel Ogbah
Apr 6, 2016, 4:57 PM
Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) celebrates sacking Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Despite their trade for Chandler Jones, the Arizona Cardinals still appear to be interested in upgrading their pass rush in this upcoming draft.
One of the prospects that could be around when they are on the clock at No. 29 in the first round is Oklahoma State’s Emmanuel Ogbah, and the team reportedly got a closer look at him during the Cowboys’ Pro Day.
Interesting note for #AZCardinals fans: Emmanuel Ogbah had a private meeting with the team in Stillwater in addition to his private workout.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) April 6, 2016
The 6-foot-4 Ogbah played defensive end in college, but could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He finished last season with 17.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a USA Today All-American.
According to NFL.com, he compares to Carolina’s Charles Johnson.
BOTTOM LINE
Upon first glance, Ogbah appears unimpressive because he doesn’t play with the quickness or athleticism expected of productive pass rushers, but eventually, his translatable qualities avail themselves. Ogbah’s power will serve him well against the run, but he will have to become more skilled as a pass rusher. He can play 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end, and he might have value inside in subpackages.
