The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

I just think that we really could trade down this year to a mid 1st round pick and get a guy like Amobi Okoye from Louisville. Imagine a guy that's 19 yrs old, graduated college w/ a psychology degree. Not to mention we could get a 2nd round pick out of it or a 3 & 4th or something. Here is his bio:

Amobi Okoye
DT | (6'1", 310, 5.11) | LOUISVILLE

Scouts Grade: 94

Flags: (A: AGE) Player may be older or younger than usual
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Strengths: A young prospect with good size and even better size potential. He displays very good natural strength and can take on blockers as a two-gap run defender. Shows the consistent ability to anchor when teams run at him. Takes good angles to the ball and possesses adequate range. Possesses good initial quickness, does an adequate job of anticipating the snap and can beat blockers to the point of attack when fresh. Possesses adequate lower-body strength and flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Good character and very "coachable".

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal closing speed, doesn't have elite explosiveness and is a better run-defender than pass-rusher at this point. He plays with balance but doesn't display ideal athleticism for the position. Doesn't show the ability to redirect inside after starting outside and doesn't show a variety of pass-rush moves. He comes out of his stance too high at times and will lose his power. Appears to wear down late in games, doesn't always play with a great motor and conditioning will always be critical to success. While durability isn't a significant concern at this point, he missed the 2005 Florida Atlantic game with a foot injury and missed one game because of a shoulder injury in 2004.

Overall: Okoye arrived at Louisville in 2003 as a 16-year-old true freshman and played in all 13 games registering 17 total tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and one sack. In 2004, he played in 11 games (one start; Army), missed the East Carolina game with a shoulder injury, and made 26 total tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and one sack for the year. Okoye started 10 of the 11 games he played in during the 2005 season, missed the Florida Atlantic game with a foot sprain, and finished the season with 23 total tackles, four tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. He started all 13 games in 2006 and registered 55 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles, garnering him Associated Press Second Team All-America and First Team All-Big East honors.

Okoye is a 19-year-old rising talent with a good amount of upside. He is still developing into his body, he's never going to be an explosive interior penetrator and his pass-rush moves need polishing. However, Okoye displays an impressive blend of size, initial quickness, balance and natural power that could lead to a long career as a disruptive NFL defensive tackle. Okoye has skyrocketed up NFL draft boards as a senior. His play reflects more of a second-to-third round grade but his age/upside most likely will land him a spot in the first round.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/dra ... tyear=2007

Post Seniorbowl:

Okoye is the talk of the town this week. The 19-year-old got scouts nervous when he showed up at a lean 287 pounds, but his power and quickness during practice sessions helped erase all doubts about him as a mid-first-round pick.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/ ... id=2743863

I agree. I am starting to really like this guy!

As things stand now, we could trade down about 5-8 spots and pick up a few picks and still select him. It is always a gamble that a player will be there once you make that kind of move, but it is something we need to think about. I remember reading somewhere that the DT and DE positions are one of the hardest to predict.

I'd certainly like to trade down and get a few more picks, but what team would be looking to trade up? I haven't heard that any team has become fixated enough with any particular player to offer multiple picks for a trade-up. Of course, the information which I DON'T know is vast. What are the odds we get a willing partner in a trade-down deal?

My worry about this guy is that, at that kind of age, it must surely take him a few years to mature and really find his NFL feet. By that time, he should just about be nearing the point where we release him and replace him with a mega bucks free agent.