2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Joseph Ossai

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Joseph Ossai
Position: Edge
School: The University of Texas
Height: 6’4″
Weight:253 pounds
Stats

Processing-3

Ossai sniffs out misdirection with his eyes. He will stay home, causing the back to attempt to improvise. When many would crash and get sucked in, Ossai’s discipline will end drives. He adjusts his feet and widens play side, not sacrificing a shoulder to take an angle.

Speed-3

It will be interesting to see his 10-yard numbers, as the former Texas standout gets to speed in a hurry and explodes downhill. As a rusher, he closes space tightly. As a result, Ossai will enjoy a free shot on the quarterback within the mandated two steps. In pursuit, Ossai will run through pick plays underneath.

Agility-3

This trait is tough to grade for a couple of reasons. As a rusher, Ossai doesn’t maintain the dip in the shoulder bend. Yet, in a three or four-point stance, he wins with the ability to leap from his stance quicker than offensive tackles. Furthermore, in coverage, Ossai profiles with an adequate drop and turn in short coverage.

Tackling-4

When he contacts the ballcarrier, the play ends. Ossai uses leverage, strength, and explosion to secure the stop. From a technical viewpoint, Ossai wins in sections. His grasp after contact is strong but flexible. You will not see wiggling away. Next, Ossai chops when in the vicinity of the quarterback and with a quick punch. Meanwhile, in space, Ossai flattens out, uses a wide approach to tackling. With his feet under him, former Texas ‘backer gets the target to ground rapidly, without help.

Pass Rush-4

Based on pure explosion alone, Ossai earns this number. He can win by gaining the edge as a blitzer. Also, Texas, deployed him as a base end predominantly Now, the improvement part. Ossai, for all of his explosion, must vary the rush repertoire. With his frame, the swim would immediately benefit him. Additionally, the rip would either win or draw the flag. Now, here’s the smaller, quick fix. The hand sweep while in full sprint would keep him upright and beat slowhanded tackles.

Coverage-2

At the next level, Ossai will contain backs leaking out of the backfield and the occasional tight end in his area. He doesn’t show any nervousness or apprehension. However, he needs to follow the target a touch closer and not always rely on that burst to carry him through.

Intangibles-4

Aside from his traits, Ossai’s intensity stands out. Every snap, he brings the same effort. No loafing or sandbagging. Every rush brings the same energy. If he drops into coverage, the focus on the task at hand remains the exact same.

Raiders Fit

The Raiders need defensive playmakers at all defensive levels. If you are honest, no spot, including edge and linebacker should be safe. Ossai would enter camp as the favorite to win a linebacker spot. His energy and relentless nature will immediately pay dividends. On rushing downs, his ability to knife through traffic to stop the back guarantees snaps. More importantly, the new defensive coordinator would use Ossai all over the field. He can rush from the defensive end spot. Better yet, from a two-point stance, Ossai will bring immediate pressure from the outside. If he doesn’t blitz, look for the short to intermediate zones in coverage. Austin Ekeler, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire face the Raiders twice. Ossai will not leave the field. With his athleticism, the Raiders will instantly be an impact player.

Points: 23/28 (Based on a 1-4 point scale)