Owamagbe Odighizuwa, his name is hard to pronounce, but his game is easy to understand.

Oftentimes, people over complicate the evaluation process, which is known as paralysis by analysis. It’s great to look at a prospect in detail to find strengths, weaknesses and tendencies. However, sometimes when you get too caught up in the detail, you miss the big picture. Oftentimes, it is best to abide by the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

This isn’t always the best method as some prospects require you to delve deep into their game to discover who they are and how they project; however, Odighizuwa’s game does not require this type of over-analyzation. It doesn’t take a seasoned scout to figure out that he is an extremely talented player who will succeed in the NFL.

The 6-foot-3 and 270 pound redshirt senior is one of the few defensive end prospects in this draft who can step into the NFL and make an impact as an every down defender.

Odighizuwa is a one-year starter at UCLA and has played primarily as a defensive end in UCLA’s three-man front. The biggest question mark about the 22-year-old’s NFL prospects is with his health. He has already had two hip surgeries (one on each hip) since he arrived at UCLA. The most important aspect of the pre-draft process for Odighizuwa will likely be when he undergoes the medical tests at the NFL combine.

If his hips check out, Odighizuwa is an exceptional player who exhibits the traits that are necessary to be a productive player in the NFL.

One of Odighizuwa’s best traits is his versatility. He has experience being impactful and productive from the under tackle (3-technique), 3-4 defensive end (5-technique) and 4-3 defensive end (6- or 7-technique) positions at UCLA. His ability to play multiple position will increase his draft stock since he can play in any defensive scheme, thus he will have a larger pool of teams who can choose him.

When you turn on Odighizuwa the first thing that will like jump out at you is his ability to play against the run. Nowadays, with the emphasis on passing, evaluators place the bulk of their grade on a defensive end’s ability to rush the passer; however, that ignores the fact that defensive ends still need to be effective against the run. This is where Odighizuwa excels.

Here is an example of Odighizuwa ability to stop the run:

Odighizuwa lines up as the right defensive end with an outside over Texas’ left tackle. Odighizuwa gets a good jump on the snap and get in good position with his hands. He does a great job of setting the edge as creates separation with his length, gets two yards upfield and maintain a 45-degree angle, so the running back can’t bounce outside. Once the running back decides to cut upfield to the B-gap, Odighizuwa disengages and makes the tackle for a short gain.

This is a textbook example of how to set the edge by Odighizuwa. He doesn’t drift too far upfield and create a crease for the running back to get through. Instead, he stays disciplined and makes the sound play. This isn’t the type of play that will wow fans or make the Sportscenter Top-10, but it is a solid plays that has to be made in the NFL.

Another reason Odighizuwa is so good against the run is because of his great functional strength. This allows him to win the battle at the point of attack and clog up running lanes and make plays where most players would give ground or get washed out.

This play illustrates his strength at the point of attack:

Odghizuwa lines up as the left defensive end in between the left guard and tackle (either a 3- or 4i-technique). At the snap, Odighizuwa keeps a low pad level and fires his hands inside and brings his hips through the contact. This allows him to stand up the left tackle and not give any ground. The fullback tries to run into Odighizuwa 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. Odighizuwa then sheds his block and makes the tackle for loss.

It would have been great if Odighizuwa just clogged the running lane, but he took it a step further and disengaged and made the tackle, which is really exceptional work from him. These types of plays are the kind that will have defensive line coaches drooling at the prospect of working with him because they know he will do all the little things well.

Odighizuwa’s strength, not only helps him a lot in the running game, but it also helps him when he is rushing the passer. His functional strength allows him to walk tackles and guards back in the quarterback’s lap.

Here is an example:

Odighizuwa lines up at the right defensive end spot with an outside shade over the left tackle. He gets a great jump on the snap and quickly engages the tackle with his hands inside. He brings his hips through contact and drives his legs, which allow him to put the left tackle on skates. Odighizuwa pushes the tackle all the way back into the quarterback’s lap, which doesn’t allow the quarterback to step into his throw and results short throw that doesn’t make it to the receiver.

This play won’t make its way onto any stat sheet, but Odighizuwa directly caused the incompletion with his bull rush.

While his strength and power are some of his best attributes, Odighizuwa is a very quick player as well. This particularly helps him with his inside moves or when he is playing as a defensive tackle. The offensive linemen are looking for him to use his strength, but he quickly darts inside and into the backfield.

This play showcases Odighizuwa’s quickness:

Odighizuwa lines up as the left defensive end with an inside shade over the right tackle. After the snap, Odighizuwa explodes into the B-gap so quickly that the right tackle can not get inside quick enough. As the right tackle attempts to shove Odighizuwa and know him off his route to the quarterback, he rips hard with his left hand to get the tackle’s hands off him. This allows him to close and make the sack on the quarterback.

The only negative regarding Odighizuwa are that he is not an elite athlete for a defensive end. There are times where he lacks the closing burst or flexibility to make a sack and chase down the ball carrier.

Odighizuwa has the strength, quickness and hand usage to fit in any scheme, whether it be as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive end. Regardless of the scheme, Odighizuwa’s best fit is play defensive end in base defense and slide down to the under tackle (3-technique defensive tackle) in nickel so he can utilize his quickness to beat slower footed guards.

At the moment, Odighizuwa is flying under-the-radar in the draft world. Nevertheless, expect him to make his presence known during the Senior Bowl week and start to shoot up draft boards and possibly sneak into the late first round when the draft rolls around.

In an area where complexity and nuance is key, evaluating Odighizuwa is simple: he’s really good.

Grade: Early 2nd Round

Games Watched: Texas (2014), Virginia (2014), USC (2014), Oregon (2014), Kansas State (2014)