Prospect of the Day: DE Alex Okafor, Texas
 

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Could he be the top DE this year? Do you think he's better than fellow Longhorn Jackson Jeffcoat?

I really like Okafor as a player. He's got all the physical tools you're looking for, plays with his hands fairly well, and has versatilty at DE or OLB...if there's one thing I'd like to see more consistently from him, it'd be getting off the snap more quickly but that's something that can be worked on

I want him to blow up next year...One of my favorite players in this draft. Good idea to stay for his senior year. I want to see more sack production and TFLs.

Jeffcoat is a decent player himself. He even stands out in that YouTube clip.

I will keep a close look on Okafor this year. One of my favorite DE prospects.

those bookends of ut are nasty

I'll be looking for him for the Saints' pick, but if he's the top DE in the draft then I really don't hope to be in the position to draft him.

I think teams avoiding players with character issues will push him down their boards.

So you're saying he's high on the Bengals' board.

That is the only thing that I didn't like from the video. He uses his hands well to rip off blocks. He looked fantastic at playing the run.

He should be great vs. the run. He played out of position as a sophomore as primarily a (265lb) DT for the Longhorns. Although it was out of necessity and he was miscast there, I can't help but think that his time inside made him that much better against the run now that he's moved back to end.

Yeah I can definitely see how it has helped him. He eats up the run.

I was going to hold off on posting this until I create my topic for defensive ends but here's what I've got for Okafor:

Alex Okafor, Texas (6’4”, 260, 4.65)

Positives:

• Has a sturdy build along with the height and bulk to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4
• Long arms are effective at creating separation from offensive linemen
• Powerful style of play; can drive blockers back and shed blocks to get to the ball
• Tackling fundamentals are sound; wraps up with proper form and hits forcefully
• Change-of-direction is impressive; can bend the edge in order to get to the quarterback
• Motor is more than adequate; gives effort against the pass as well as the run
• Uses a few different pass rush moves in order to create pressure; active hand use
• Anchor is solid; avoids getting driven back too often by keeping his feet moving
• Does a nice job of scraping down the line in order to make plays against the run
• Has rushed out of both two and three-point stances in college (more effective from three)

Negatives:

• Inconsistency must be addressed in the 2012 season (week-to-week play)
• Must improve his initial quickness off of the snap; lags behind his teammates
• Recognition skills will require some work; ends up out of position a little bit too often
• Overly focused on winning the outside at times and surrenders inside (overaggression)
• Played the left end in college rather than the more reassuring right end position
• Pad level gets a little bit high when he rushes from a two-point stance
• Has not been an incredible finisher; six sacks in 2011 was a career high (10.5 total)
• Character will be investigated after being arrested in a bar this month

Grade: First round

Double post, my bad!

better bookends, UT or LSU?

I think he would work out Okafor many teams.

Semi topical but the amount of pass rushers in next year's class is really good. Just look at this list of eligible players:
Jarvis Jones, Alex Okafor, Jackson Jeffcoat, Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, William Gholston, Devin Taylor, Dion Jordan, Brandon Jenkins, Bjoern Werner, Michael Buchanan, Sean Porter, John Simon, Stansly Mopanga, Chase Thomas and Corey Lemonier are all legitimate college pass rushers who are going to be given a shot to produce at the next level. Heck, one of the most productive and athletic prospects, Nordly Capi, won't even be playing next season.

At this stage I'd say this is a really strong pass rushing class.

Not sure what exactly transpired with Okafor's arrested, but it seems nothing more than being a little rowdy at a bar. I don't think that's a 'character concern' of any significance. Obviously there may be teams who disagree, but for me at least it wouldn't be a black mark.

About the character issues...he and a couple teammates were arrested at Ropolo's pizza while waiting in line (which is in the street), apparently for a disturbance. It's on 6th street, which is where all the bars in Austin are, and the cops there are usually pretty quick to make arrests, just because it's easy. I've hung out with him before, and I think teams will quickly realize he's a good kid.

Top 10 talent if he passes the character test.

Him and Jackson Jeffcoat are both first rounders. I hope the G-Men get one of them next year

I wouldn't go as far as to say he is a top 10 talent or the best DE in the country but he is pretty good. From a pure pass rush aspect, he is down the list compared to many in this upcoming draft. He is a very good against the run but is NOT a elite pass rusher imo.

I'll say this, trying to judge Okafor off the Kansas State film probably isn't the best considering what you see there offensively isn't NFL caliber or style (KSU makes it work)... unless your facing Tim Tebow every week.