Chiefs 2019 NFL Draft Prospect: DL Charles Omenihu -

POSITION: Defensive Lineman

SCHOOL: Texas

HEIGHT: 6’6”

WEIGHT: 275 pounds

Latest Chiefs News

Today, we look at one of my favorite defensive prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. This player is coming off a strong senior season. He has the build and style that could also fit the Chiefs well up front. More on that later. Now, let’s take a look at his attributes.

Hand Technique

Omenihu uses violence and power in his hands to work through blockers. This violence, and also his added explosiveness makes him a difficult guy to push back. This results in success in his run defense. His go to move of push and pulling helps to shed blockers. Also as a pass rusher, there is an evident plan in how to perfect the hand technique to work around blockers.

First Step Quickness/Burst

Omenihu has a well timed release to the snap. With Texas using him in different positions along the defensive line, his quickness is noticeably better off the edge when rushing the passer. His jumps are still exceptional inside, but the ability to see his nice short area quickness waivers. For his size, the change of direction and being able to bend around the corner, added with that short area quickness shows his ability to react and process quickly.

Tackling

His strength consistently brings down runners. Omenihu’s arm length allows for a larger tackle radius. This extension allows for him to reach in run defense, while still being blocked and catch a piece of the ball carrier. There’s no issues here.

Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jets
by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am

Length

Omenihu’s one of the most difficult guys to go against one on one. Due to his length and size, he is able to make those difficult tackles that other defenders have trouble making. This is true in both the run game and pass game. The leverage he gains against blockers is there more often than not. Omenihu uses that leverage to his advantage nicely.

Chiefs Fit

With the recent free agent additions to the defensive front by the Chiefs, Omenihu fits the type of player Kansas City has added. For example, Alex Okafor is a very similar sized player as a pass rusher. Meanwhile, Omenihu is roughly the same height as Chris Jones. Omenihu also presents versatility, since he has experience playing different positions on the defensive line. As mentioned, he’s a stout run defender. The makings of being able to consistently rush the passer are there, it will be interesting to see how his counters and hand techniques match up against NFL offensive linemen. Omenihu is still a tad underrated from the pre-draft process, but I think he can continue to grow from his successful senior season at Texas.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.