Raiders 2019 Draft Profile: LB Emeke Egbule

2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Emeke Egbule

Position: Linebacker

School: The University of Houston

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 245 pounds

Draft Projection: Day 3

Stats

Tackling

With Egbule, notice his hands, and how they force the action. First, he locks on to the tackle, wrenching the ballcarrier to the ground. When arriving to the play, Egbule makes a direct path to the target, with no false steps or motion. Egbule loves to make the solo tackle. While he can clean up the mess, look for him to make the solo stop.

Speed

If you watch Egbule, split his approach between the run and blitz. Attacking the run, he beats blockers to the spot, forcing the ball carrier to either string wide or attempt to cut back. Either way, Egbule should meet him there. Next, when he gets upfield towards the quarterback, observe the angle, tight and direct. Egbule’s acceleration may not last long during the blitz, but he does not need it to.

Coverage

Granted, Egbule thrives playing downhill, feasting on plays in the short to intermediate zone. Yet, he can flow in smaller areas, whether guarding a tight end, sitting zone or eyeing a back in the flats. If the defensive coordinator does not expect deeper drops, Egbule will not disappoint.

Agility

Despite his muscled frame, Egbule can plant, stop, and flip his hips towards the play. Moreover, he can shed using footwork and decent shoulder flexibility.

Intangibles

Despite an electric combine performance, forget the numbers. Egbule brings a fierce, aggressive approach to the game. He looks for contact, loves to mix it up with blockers and attack the line of scrimmage.

Raiders Fit

If you look at Paul Guenther’s successful defenses in Cincinnati, something should just to the forefront. When the Bengals played their best on that side of the ball, the linebackers were the heart and soul. Like him or not, Vontaze Burfict was the perfect fit in that scheme. Now, look at the Raiders. Where are the playmakers? While he may never flash as a superstar, Egbule could step in and help Oakland immediately. With heavy hands and a nose for the ball, he would give the Raiders a player capable of imposing his will on the offense.