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The Notre Dame product has been picking up steam as of late, and for good reason. You may have only heard Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons name at the top, however I believe that Day 1 of the NFL Draft Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will be the best linebacker.
The New Orleans Saints defense saw a new life in the linebacker room with the addition of Kwon Alexander. Owusu-Koramoah offers everything you get in Alexander and more. He has the pure coverage skills of a defensive back, combined with the tackling skills of a top linebacker. His draft stock ranges all around the first day, mainly due to his size.
At 6’1”, 217 pounds he is in the range of someone that could be both a safety and a linebacker. However, would it really matter if he brings high-level, high-impact play to the defense in New Orleans? Owusu-Koramoah plays at an elite level on the defensive side, that could potentially be available at the end of the first round.
Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with a great play here.
— Boom or Bust: The Draft Show (@BoomOrBustDraft) November 27, 2020
Doesn’t give up and chases down Newsome to make the tackle. Currently #24 on our big board but quickly rising pic.twitter.com/p3XAw2Tl2h
Coverage Ability
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s coverage talent is undeniable. Consistently keeps up with slot receivers at the hip, and that is always something he was tasked with frequently in college. He can easily line up in man coverage against a pass catcher lining up in the slot. He has safety instincts, as he has played that position in the past. He would immediately become the best coverage LB on the roster, and still have the ability to learn from Demario Davis and potentially Kwon Alexander.
Potential 1st round target for Raiders could be LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Coverage LB with speed and elite athleticism. Can play in space/blitz. Not biggest, hybrid type. Can he hold up in box? WLB profile in 4-3. #RaiderNation
— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) December 30, 2020
pic.twitter.com/i26I4yfGVm
Run Defense
Owusu-Koramoah has the football IQ to get into the backfield and take out a runner. However should a ball carrier get past the first level, he has the speed and athleticism to run them down. Lateral mobility and change of direction are things that should never be an issue at the next level.
ND's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (#6) is this year's swiss army knife prospect. He played all over the field last season & had a huge impact in the box. He has fluid hips & solid footwork when in pursuit. In this clip, he sheds a block and swiftly changes direction for the tackle pic.twitter.com/Qcj003ouex
— Jeremy Rinaldi (@Jeremy1782) July 27, 2020
Tackling
For someone who gets knocked for size as a linebacker, Owusu-Koramoah is one of the most consistent open-field tacklers that I have seen in this class. He also has a trait that I love: knowing when and where to attempt to claw the ball out, many times with success. He is credited with seven pass breakups and five forced fumbles in the two years he played a major role at Notre Dame. He attempts the big-hit tackles at a good rate, but knows when he has to wrap up.
OWUUUUUU!!!! HUGE hit on the kickoff by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah!! That's how you make an open field tackle! pic.twitter.com/D4HUF6CwWs
— ND Whiteboard (@ND_Whiteboard) November 30, 2019
Latest Mock Draft Round-Ups
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com - Round 1, Pick 25 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Dane Brugler, The Athletic - Round 1, Pick 19 - Detroit Lions (trade)
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports - Round 1, Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills
The consensus seems to be later in round one, either in range for the Saints to draft him outright, or even move up slightly to grab a great talent.
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