Home 2015 NFL Draft Why the Steelers Need to Pick Owamagbe Odighizuwa at 22

Why the Steelers Need to Pick Owamagbe Odighizuwa at 22

by Steelbydesign

Steeler Nation cheered over the weekend as news came that veteran linebacker James Harrison had signed a 2 year deal with the Steelers.

In short, I like the move, but the Steelers aren’t done at the position. The best case scenario would be a rookie beating out Harrison in camp, and letting him be a situational rusher.

That may seem like a long shot, but if there’s one player in this draft that the Steelers have a shot at, that could start day 1 it’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa.

I think that Dante Fowler, Vic Beasley, Bud Dupree, Shane Ray, and Randy Gregory will be long gone by the Steelers’ pick.

Typically the Steelers like a bigger linebacker on the strong side to hold up against the run, and that makes Owa a perfect fit at 6’3″ 267 pounds. He’s considered a little bit big for a linebacker, after playing defensive end at UCLA, but so were LaMarr Woodley and Brian Orakpo.

Owa could come in and possibly win the starting outside spot across from Jarvis Jones in camp, because he’s actually strong enough to hold up against NFL lineman. Guys like Jarvis Jones just physically aren’t ready when they get to the NFL…

Eli Harold is a favorite name popping up for the Steelers, but Harold is probably at least 2 years away from even having a chance in the pros.

Odighizuwa would also be a valuable piece in the Steelers’ (alleged) hybrid scheme, being very comfortable playing with his hand in the dirt.

I’m aware he’s had some hip surgeries, and if the Steelers were worried about that then I’d say pass, but for now I like the kid. He’s a little old for a 1st round pick (will be 23 in April), but I think that could be off-set by him seeing the field quickly.

As far as skillset Odighizuwa is an extremely powerful player with a great motor. I think he’s got enough athleticism to hold his own in coverage, even if he never excels there.

As a pass rusher he needs some work. He’s really just a straight ahead type of guy that needs to learn some pass rushing moves, but that’s where learning from a guy like Harrison would really be beneficial. If there’s anyone that knows how to turn power into pressures, it’s Deebo.

Owa’s the type of guy that could be thrown to the wolves early and at least hold his own in the run game, and work out how to use his hands as a rusher as he goes along.

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5 comments

Vittorio Di Stazio March 23, 2015 - 7:51 pm

Look Chris I respect you and every other contributor to steelcityblitz, but your argument for Odighizuwa to me is flat out BS. I’ve read the reports on the OLB’s that the Steelers could possibly take and Owa along Hau’Oli are 2 guys I want no part of the Steelers. You pointed out the hip injuries what you didn’t point out was that there Chronic Hip Injuries which means it’s never going away. Sure you and others can see what if doesn’t flare up or affect him and I get that but that type of injury is like Greg Oden having the chronic knee problem it will never go away no matter how much the Athlete wants it to be gone. Since you gave your pick for 22 I’ll give you mine: Alvin “Bud” Dupree. Yeah I know inconsistent production, doesn’t shed blocks well and all that other stuff but he is the only OLB or Edge rusher if you will that I see as a 1st round pick for the Steelers. If Owa was a late round pick say 6th or 7th than I wouldn’t argue with anybody on the guy but I am vehemently opposed to Odighizuwa as a 1st round pick and I’ll tell you this: since everybody on this site loves to attack Jones and me for defending him what do you think would happen with Owa if he were taken by the Steelers? I get that the draft is 38 days away and that there will be more mock drafts than anyone could keep track of but I still can’t see Owa as a 1st round pick. Hey if turns to be a top notch OLB in the NFL I’ll come on this site and say “I was wrong and I have should have thought more of Owa” but I just can’t see Owa as the next Steeler OLB.

bob graff March 23, 2015 - 9:51 pm

I am still sticking with my mock, like i said i put some time into it and i still like Clemmings at 22. Then grab the the best OLB-CB available the next 4 rounds. Do i see this happening NO WAY!! i think once again we will come out of this draft saying WTF.

bob graff March 23, 2015 - 10:00 pm

And Vittorio i’m going to shot from the hip. Drafting a OLB that runs a 5.0 40 is plain out stupid 2 slow, not strong enuff and with bad habits [on the field]. I can understand the well give him a chance stance but he has shown nothing

bob graff March 23, 2015 - 10:02 pm

A nd i say a name because you know who he is.

Vittorio Di Stazio March 23, 2015 - 10:26 pm

You obviously don’t like my pick of Dupree but look as guys like Markus Golden, Trey Flowers, Eli Harold, Mauldin and other guys of that nature. There flaws are way worse than Dupree’s and that’s not lie. Right now my mock would be 1st.Dupree, 2nd.A.Carter, 3rd.Olomu, 4th.Langford and 5th.C.Ogbuehi I can’t think of anyone for 6th and 7th round picks or compensatory picks cause I don’t know. If you guys like the picks I made that’s good, if not what can I tell ya.

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