2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Jeremiah-Owusu-Koramoah
Position: Linebacker
School: Notre Dame
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 216 pounds
Stats

Processing-3

Eyes, gut, and feet. The prospect sees the play well, pre-snap, figuring run/pass and direction. Gut refers to his instinct and how to approach. With two of those criteria met, Owusu-Koramoah takes sound angles towards the ball. In a hurry, but never out of control, the linebacker stays viable throughout.

Speed-4

From sideline to sideline, rushing the passer, run support, this ranks as one of his better traits. Owusu-Koramoah gets to speed quickly from a standstill. He accelerates through the tiniest crevice to make the play. As a rusher, he will use that speed to get home and into the quarterback’s face. Pursuing backside, he manages to keep himself active in the play.

Agility-4

This aspect offers intrigue. When shedding blocks or blitzing, the prospect uses a nuanced shoulder dip to evade chip attempts. That slight move gives him a step advantage when barreling towards the play. In space, the linebacker will stay on the balls of his feet, allowing him the instantaneous ability to flip his hips. Likewise for swimming through trash in the run game. Koramoah realizes that size may not be his calling card so subtle, athletic steps will paint a better coverage picture.

Tackling-3

You would think a player that forced five fumbles and tallied 24.5 TFL, would rate as elite here. Granted, Owusu-Koromoah possesses a knack for dislodging the ball. However, there are technical hiccups that need addressing. First, on plays veering away, the prospect attempts a gator roll. The ballcarrier will pump their legs and keep moving. Owusu-Koramoah needs to get a closer, strong grip when executing this. Additionally, with his speed, there need to be more impactful hits, especially in the open field.

Coverage-4

Notre Dame used Owusu-Koramoah in the slot, manning up on receivers, the flat to trail running back. In his film, the depth of the drops opens the eyes. Usually, linebackers will not venture beyond eight yards in a zone. Koramoah doesn’t seem to struggle to venture further from the line of scrimmage. In fact, he covers like a safety. Now, that isn’t to say he requires a position change, as his athletic talents would benefit him.

Run Support-3

Despite tipping the scales in the 215-220-pound range, the ND standout relishes attacking the run. He will actually use the occasionally violent shed to discard the blocker. With his speed, he builds up the power to escape the block. After, he breaks down and makes the play.

Intangibles-3

The film shows the prospect, communicates well pre-snap. By signaling to the secondary, moving them into a better position, Owusu-Koramoah ensures the players at his back know what to expect. That modicum of leadership translates to the next level. By focusing on more than just his particular job, he sees the whole concept of the defense, not the individual parts. That shows a dedication to both film study and scheme knowledge.

Raiders Fit

While Nicholas Morrow enjoyed a serviceable season, he’s reached his ceiling and the team can’t justify another tender or increase. Behind him, a menagerie of retreads, special teamers, and players that should never start. Meanwhile, if the Raiders draft Koramoah, they immediately upgrade the linebacker room. Facing the uberathletic Chiefs and evolving Chargers requires talent at all three levels. Plus, imagine a trio of Owusu-Koramoah, Kwiatkoski, and Littleton. While they may lack the heft of traditional trios, each can get sideline to sideline, drop in coverage and attack the run downhill. In the modern NFL, teams eschew archaic standards in favor of speed and twitch.