Name: Kenneth Olugbode
School: Colorado
Position fit: Will linebacker
Stats to know: Improved run-defense grade from 33.8 in 2015 to 85.6 last season.
What he does best:
- Quick to recognize and attack plays inside, capable of using his athleticism to get underneath blockers and to the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage.
- Extremely disciplined to gap assignments; does not over-pursue and does not get overly aggressive and attack other open lanes unless he knows he can make the stop.
- While not an elite athlete, has the speed and lateral agility to get to the boundary on outside runs.
- Fluidity in space suggests he can translate in coverage despite college stats; can identify, break and close effectively in front and can change directions without losing a step.
- Can break down effectively and finish in space, even when pursuing at full speed.
- Gets good depth in zone coverage.
- Agility also demonstrated on blitzes; can time rushes effectively and use his athleticism to avoid blocks; 15 total pressures on 91 rushes.
- Eliminate his game vs. USC (four missed tackles) and he finishes last season eighth among FBS inside linebackers in tackling efficiency.
Biggest concern:
- Will at times try to run around blocks and leave too much open space to recover to in his gap assignment.
- Lack of bulk, natural strength shows up when trying to take on blockers; measured just 6-foot-1 and 222 pounds at pro day.
- Showed only marginal improvement in coverage in 2016; surrendered catches of at least 15 yards in each of last five games, nine of 15 total.
- Will get sucked in by play action, allowing defenders behind him.
- Will likely need to change positions due to his struggles against blockers; ranked just 79th in run-block percentage last season despite significantly improved grades and it’s due to his inability to shed blocks
Player comparison: Sean Spence, Indianapolis Colts
Spence is clearly undersized, which limits his ability against blockers, but shows quickness and speed in all three phases and is a solid tackler (just one miss in more than 500 snaps last season).
Bottom line: The key for Olugbode’s longevity will be adding bulk and strength, as he is too easily bullied by blockers that get their hands on him right now. While his testing numbers were just average (4.79 40), he displays excellent agility, quickness and change of direction on the field, aided by good instincts. His tackling ability and aggressiveness suggest he can make a living on special teams (and possibly in coverage) while he develops physically, and long-term could be a significant contributor on all three phases of defense.
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