Alex Okafor is a LEO and should be on your early round radar

[kearly]

We've talked about Okafor before, but I think it's worth revisiting exactly what he does.

[youtube]ExvDtq8Whq0[/youtube]

At 6'5", 265, Okafor is a little bigger than most LEO candidates we've talked about on the boards. That said, most 265 pound DEs do not rely on the edge rush as much as Okafor does. I doubt Okafor will run an Irvin like forty time, but he could probably hold serve with Chris Clemons, who posted a 4.68 second forty at the 2003 combine. The LEO does not require blistering speed, it merely requires the ability to attack the edge and benefit from a wide nine role.

Raheem Brock had a very productive 2010 season from a 9-tech role. He weighed 274 pounds and clocked a 4.93 forty time.

When I watch Okafor, he does looks solid as a traditional 5-technique (shades over the tackle's outside shoulder), but looks more capable when lining wider out. Like Clemons, he will not outrun a tackle to the edge, but uses a combination of speed and arm use to work his way around before running past the QB. Clemons is the master of the drive by strip sack, and you'll see that's something Okafor does too.

Like Clemons, Okafor has long arms and uses them to work his way inside. He's not quite as agile or as gifted with technique as Clemons is, but he's close enough that a good coaching job by Quinn or Carroll could close the gap. There is a naturalness, a smoothness to Clemons' play that I also see with Okafor.

Seattle will have to figure out exactly which parts of the pass rush they will address first. If they feel LEO could be a round 1 priority, Okafor could be a strong consideration. Most big name mock drafters have Okafor coming off the board in the late teens to late 20s, right where Seattle is at. This could be a player to keep an eye on. And if Carroll/Quinn think Okafor can be Clemons 2.0, I'd be all for it.

 

[GoHawks]

If they don't take a WR with 1st pick - DeAndre Hopkins, I Was thinking they might go DT with the 1st pick: Shariff Floyd

If they take WR DeAndre Hopkins with 1st, then take DT Kawann Short with 2nd

If they can trade Flynn to KC or Jags and pick up early 3rd, I was thinking John Simon DE at this spot

 

[ErikG803]

Assuming we can't get ahold of Sheldon Richardson, I think my preference is Okafor.

But I really want Hopkins too

 

[kearly]

Assuming we can't get ahold of Sheldon Richardson, I think my preference is Okafor.

But I really want Hopkins too

So far, this draft looks like it's going to be a painful pick in round 1 (lots of good options) followed by a whole bunch of "who?!" picks the whole rest of the way. Or basically, our 2011 draft with a better first pick.

 

[theENGLISHseahawk]

Speed is going to be the big thing with Okafor. The 10-yard split is going to define his stock IMO. He had some good games and some mediocre games last year. Abused the Oregon State right tackle in the Alamo Bowl. But the one concern I have is his ability as a speed rush off the edge at that size. He doesn't play fast. He makes up for it with good hand use for his size, he's better against the run than you'd expect. But I need to see a good 10-yard split at 260lbs to believe he'll fit in SEA.

 

[pehawk]

Meh, I dont like him at all really. Not saying I wouldn't take him, his physical traits are too inticing, but I'd only approve him as a LATE 2nd or 3rd. And, preferrably a 3rd, where the Hawks traded down to nab an extra pick type 3rd.

He just looks typical Texas; talented with all the tools but little desire.

 

[EMTHawkfan]

Starting to warm up to Okafor also...currently have him in round 1 and Bennie Logan in round 2 of my personal Seahawks mock

 

[McGruff]

Okafor is a Tim Ruskell pick. Big school. Productive. Safe. Average. He's Lawrence Jakcosn all over again.

We need a freak. Ansah is the first or possibly Hunt in a trade down, although I'm not totally convinced that Hunt is Football player.

 

[kearly]

I should reiterate, Chris Clemons is not an athletic freak. Raheem Brock ran a forty time that was just barely faster than what Dontari Poe had. Bruce Irvin IS fast, but still appears incapable of being a true LEO due to other shortcomings.

Sadly, there just isn't an "ideal" LEO in this draft that will reach our pick. Even Clemons isn't truly one. I don't think Okafor is going to be a super star, but I think he could give us maybe 75%-90% of what Clemons does. If you watch him closely, you'll see that Texas kept alternating him from a 5-tech role to a 9-tech role during games. As a 5-tech he's just okay, but as a 9-tech he improves dramatically and is constantly creating pressure.

I kind of hope Seattle goes TE/WR at #25 because that's where I think the value is, but if they draft DL there instead (assuming Red Bryant isn't going anywhere), I think Okafor could work out very nicely as a pure LEO.

My preference would be to sign Cliff Avril in FA, but if Seattle ends up having to address the D-line in the draft early, and a colossal trade up is off the table (likely), I think Okafor is one of the best realistic options at #25. I would much rather take a poor man's Chris Clemons over a Jason Jones clone (Ansah as a 3-tech), or an Alan Branch type (Kawann Short, Sharrif Floyd). Seattle can survive another season of Branch + Jones if it came to that. But they can't survive a season that banks on Irvin playing the LEO or Clemons playing the LEO at half capacity. LEO has to be a huge consideration. I think guys like Okafor and Simon are worth long looks as LEO candidates. Though Simon is the better pass rusher, I would prefer Okafor just because he does not come with any exploitable features like Simon does.

 

[knownone]

Bruce Irvin IS fast, but still appears incapable of being a true LEO due to other shortcomings.

What shortcomings? Bruce has played a total of 1 game at Leo.

It's a little early to make such brash statements.

 

[pehawk]

I think the reason Seattle wouldn't take Okafor in round 1 is because he doesn't have the potential to be a superstar. He is VERY safe. I'm gathering from the Irvin and Carpenter picks, the Seahawks are so confident in their ability draft in later rounds, they'll swing for the fences in round 1.

Gruden said the day Carpenter was drafted the Seahawks we're the only team to practice him at guard. Even though he played RT his first year, he's a guard in their mind. His ceiling at guard is pretty high (in the run game particularly). Irvin is another swing for the moon type. Very raw, with amazing speed and physical tools. If Irvin soaks up the coaching, he's can easily become their Aldon or JPP.

So, with that, if they go DL, it'll be Ziggy IMO. I understand why people would assume Hunt qualifies, but IMO, he doesn't possess a passion for playing like other Hawks.

 

[SoCalHawk]

kearly, I am confused. 3 or 4 days ago you posted something the EXACT opposite of this...?

"No pass rusher in round one please*, not unless Werner/Jones is there or Simon's stock skyrockets.

I like Ansah, but that would be a bad pick. Jason Jones gives you almost the exact same player and could be retained at low cost. Why would we think Ansah would be our savior when Jones wasn't? Pete is smarter than that.

*However, if Pete basically gave Ansah Red Bryant's job, it would be worth the high pick for that alone. Ansah looks very good as a 2-gap 5-tech.

Okafor is a bit like Lawrence Jackson or Everson Griffin, and I think he will have a similar career. Just seems like a guy with the good (not great) tools with average intangibles. Okafor is not a LEO, and unless Carroll doubles back on the Red Bryant role I don't see how Okafor fits. Carroll jettisoned Jackson due to not fitting either role. Okafor is not only slow but lacks quickness too. Hard to see him as a fit.

I think Okafor probably deserves a 2nd round grade, and won't be drafted by Seattle."


What gives?

 

[kobebryant]

Meh, I dont like him at all really. Not saying I wouldn't take him, his physical traits are too inticing, but I'd only approve him as a LATE 2nd or 3rd. And, preferrably a 3rd, where the Hawks traded down to nab an extra pick type 3rd.

He just looks typical Texas; talented with all the tools but little desire.

Right. Last thing we want is someone with the desire level of Orakpo,Thomas,Melton,Houston,Robison or D Johnson. Those Texas defenders just don't bring it.

 

[pehawk]

Meh, I dont like him at all really. Not saying I wouldn't take him, his physical traits are too inticing, but I'd only approve him as a LATE 2nd or 3rd. And, preferrably a 3rd, where the Hawks traded down to nab an extra pick type 3rd.

He just looks typical Texas; talented with all the tools but little desire.

Right. Last thing we want is someone with the desire level of Orakpo,Thomas,Melton,Houston,Robison or D Johnson. Those Texas defenders just don't bring it.

I know, I know. It's an outdated, mostly offensive syndrome. But, watch his film and get back.

 

[SharkHawk]

kearly, I am confused. 3 or 4 days ago you posted something the EXACT opposite of this...?

"No pass rusher in round one please*, not unless Werner/Jones is there or Simon's stock skyrockets.

I like Ansah, but that would be a bad pick. Jason Jones gives you almost the exact same player and could be retained at low cost. Why would we think Ansah would be our savior when Jones wasn't? Pete is smarter than that.

*However, if Pete basically gave Ansah Red Bryant's job, it would be worth the high pick for that alone. Ansah looks very good as a 2-gap 5-tech.

Okafor is a bit like Lawrence Jackson or Everson Griffin, and I think he will have a similar career. Just seems like a guy with the good (not great) tools with average intangibles. Okafor is not a LEO, and unless Carroll doubles back on the Red Bryant role I don't see how Okafor fits. Carroll jettisoned Jackson due to not fitting either role. Okafor is not only slow but lacks quickness too. Hard to see him as a fit.

I think Okafor probably deserves a 2nd round grade, and won't be drafted by Seattle."


What gives?

Who made up the Jason Jones/Ansah comparison? It makes no sense. They are NOTHING alike. Jones is a tall guy who plays in the middle. Ansah is a speedy defensive end, not a tall defensive tackle. He plays in a 3-3-5 or 3-4 because that is what BYU runs. But he is suited to a DE in a 4-3 like Seattle runs. He is nothing like Red Bryant. He is nothing like Jason Jones. He is like Chris Clemons with more speed. He reminds me of Julius Peppers. Is he a Jason Jones clone too?

 

[McGruff]

Ansah is a defensive end who can add a third rotational end and also play inside on passing downs.

He'd basically take Irvin's role while Irvin fills Clemons role. Red would continue to start and rotate with all three.

 

[SharkHawk]

He isn't a Jason Jones type though. He's a Clemons type. Similar build and is the guy who goes after the QB from the end. Not a nose tackle or DT. Jones played inside the majority of the time. Ansah isn't even built like Jones. He's a speed guy.

 

[McGruff]

He isn't a Jason Jones type though. He's a Clemons type. Similar build and is the guy who goes after the QB from the end. Not a nose tackle or DT. Jones played inside the majority of the time. Ansah isn't even built like Jones. He's a speed guy.

Totally agree with you. I see Ansah rotating at both end spots depending on the situation.

 

[Snohomie]

Admittedly, just off youtube videos, I don't think Ansah is a fit at LEO, honestly. His first step isn't great and he has no pass rushing moves at the moment. He also looks like he has the frame to get bigger pretty easily. Not that he'd be bad there, but he's not the great fit you want from a first round pick.

IMO, you have him work as a five technique who has the ability to shift outside if the formation/grouping looks like a pass. That's the problem with Red, he doesn't have that versatility. With average improvement (and obviously Ansah has more potential to improve than most, since he's new to football) I could easily see him getting 8+ sacks a year while being a very good run defender. Justin Tuck is the best comparison that comes to mind for me, but that'd be assuming quite a bit of improvement (again, possible).

 

[theENGLISHseahawk]

So, with that, if they go DL, it'll be Ziggy IMO. I understand why people would assume Hunt qualifies, but IMO, he doesn't possess a passion for playing like other Hawks.

Can you qualify the final part of that sentence? I've not done a ton of research on Margus Hunt - watched five games of tape, bit of background. But nothing has said to me he doesn't have a passion to play this game. If anything, I'd say he's passionate about being a success. He had the gall to come over to America in the first place to work with a specific discus coach. Had to raise the money to get out here. When SMU cancelled their track and field programme, he didn't rush home. He took the one shot that would've given him the chance to continue working with that coach -- to enrol for the football team and earn a scholarship. He managed that. And then he turned into one of the biggest physical freaks you'll find in college football.

I've listened to two of his interviews. He talks about watching tape, improving, getting better every year. On the field he doesn't seem to take plays off, he plays with some intensity. I don't see any evidence that he doesn't have a passion for playing.

And as much as I sense the potential with Ziggy Ansah, he really hasn't show a great deal of pass rushing threat at BYU. I've seen games where he doesn't have even one pressure off the edge. Athletic qualities are all there, he plays the run well. But I'd want more as a pass rusher to solve a chronic problem for the Seahawks.