Ranking the Top 15 Edge Rusher Prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft

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9. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, 6’3, 267, UCLA

Odighizuwa is just a little bit on the short side to be a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, but he’s one of the better natural fits at the position in this year’s draft class and stands a chance of being taken in the first round this May.

Odighizuwa doesn’t have the most tremendous burst in the world coming out of his stance, but once he gets past his blocker he has very good closing speed. His pass rushing skills aren’t exceptionally developed, as he lacks a signature move, but he makes up for that with his strong ability to defend the run. He’s very disciplined, and he does not over pursue or get taken out of the play. If he just continues to refine the angles that he takes to the ballcarrier, he has the potential to be a quality starting end.

The thing that concerns me most about Odighizuwa is that he’s just one year removed from missing an entire season due to surgeries on both hips. While he looked good in 2014, there’s got to be at least a bit of uneasiness about Odighizuwa’s long-term health after dealing with such a serious ailment.

Next: 8. Vic Beasley