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Cleveland Browns: Which defensive rookies will make the team?

By Joel W. Cade

Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) against the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi
Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) against the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) is pressured on a throw by Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) is pressured on a throw by Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Emmanuel Ogbah  is a case study in the evolution of the outside linebacker position. The trend in the NFL is toward “Big guys than can run” to quote Ray Horton. At 6-foot-4, 273 pounds and running a 4.63 40-yard dash, Ogbah is certainly that. His combination of size and speed make him ideal for what Ray Horton hopes to accomplish in Cleveland.

Related: 5 Questions on Emmanuel Ogbah

Emmanuel Ogbah was drafted in the second round (No. 32 overall) in the NFL Draft. His strengths are his size and speed combination. His size helps him fend off blockers while his speed allows him to beat linemen to the point of attack. He is still in need of major refinement at the NFL level. At best he is a beast who starts immediately. At worst he looks like Tarzan but plays like Jane.

With the evolution of the outside linebacker position toward bigger players who can defeat pulling linemen at the point of attack while at the same time have the speed to rush off the edge, Ogbah is the rare freak of nature athlete who can do it all. In Ray Horton’s system he will be asked to play the run and rush the passer. He certainly has the size and speed. But can he develop the technique to be effective?

Ogbah will spend this year learning on the job. He needs to learn to drop into coverage as well as rush the passer. He plays the same position as Paul Kruger. But don’t expect that to hold him back.

Verdict: Ogbah makes the team and rotates at outside linebacker. He will initially be used to stop the run. Later in the season he will be brought in to rush the passer.

Next: Carl Nassib

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