Ever since Ryan Shazier’s injury left him out of football, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ have a glaring need at inside linebacker. The Steelers did an awful job of replacing Shazier in 2018, keeping the position as a top-two need. The ‘mack’ linebacker spot needs filled, and we will see if the Steelers decide to do so via free agency or the 2019 NFL Draft. Today, we observe Stanford linebacker and team captain Bobby Okereke (O-KUH-REE-KEE).
Background
Bobby Okereke #20
Stanford University
Linebacker
6’1”, 239lbs
Fifth-yr Senior
– 2018 Team Captain
– All Pac-12 Honorable Mention
– LOTT impact trophy quarterfinalist
– Four star recruit out of high school
– Cousin plays professional soccer for the Philadelphia Union
– First generation American
– Eagle scout
– Undergraduate degree in management, science and engineering
– Currently earning masters degree in media studies
2018 Combine
40 yard dash: 4.58
Vertical jump: 33.5″
Broad jump: 122″
3-cone drill: 7.25s
20-yd shuttle: 4.26s
2018 Stats
94 total tackles (52 solo), 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 5 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR
What’s To Like
Enormous wingspan. Hustle and effort are never in question, gives 110%. Has experience covering the slot receiver. While engaging blockers, keeps eyes up and reads the play, makes the tackle. Shoots the gap quickly, can cause havoc in the backfield. Moves very fluidly for his weight, sideline to sideline a huge plus. Experience as a special teams player. Instinctive and smart, reads plays rather quickly. Drops in zone coverage well and reads within his zone, picks up correct assignments. When he comes to balance, is a reliable tackler.
Legit never heard his name until today.
LB Bobby Okereke (Stanford, 6’2”, 234lbs). Angles & read/react vs. the run game are painful, but if you want a guy who can get downhill fast & fill a gap? He’s your man.
Agile in coverage, always moving & closing quickly. STs potential? pic.twitter.com/hLptjdbihU
— Jeremy Stevenson (@MyColtsAccount) February 20, 2019
Concerns
Takes on blockers instead of filling the gap. Far too many arm tackles, which won’t fly in the NFL. Can get lost in the crowd and take himself out of the play. Play strength needs a boost, takes most of the hit with blockers and can’t get off blocks well enough yet. Flies to the ball, but too often does he over-pursue. Gives up the cut-back lane on stretch plays by over-committing. Needs to bring feet with him when tackling. Commits early at times which gives the ball carrier time to react and adjust. Overall balance is off, ends up on the ground often.
Verdict
After Okereke’s solid Combine performance, I had quite high hopes for his film. I came away a bit underwhelmed but there are aspects of his game to certainly build upon. Being an experienced special teams asset is huge, especially as a Steeler. The lack of strength is worrisome, but can be improved with an NFL strength program in his corner. His technicalities as a tackler need some work, but can be improved as well. What Okereke does well is read and react, he is a smart and instinctive player who is around the ball at all times. The experience in both man and zone coverage is also an attractive trait.
Grade: Round 4
Projection: Round 3
Games Watched: 2018 Oregon, 2018 Notre Dame, 2018 USC, 2018 San Diego State
Credits: Youtube, Sports Reference, Stanford website, Palo Alto (img)
