Why the Cleveland Browns should pass on David Ojabo

Reason No. 3: The position that Ojabo plays

When making a return from a torn Achilles, gaining strength, flexibility, and stability in the tendon is the primary concern. Skill position players have a better chance of recovering from a torn Achilles as long as they regain full motion and explosion. For many, regaining the confidence to fully commit themselves to trusting and cutting on their ankles becomes their biggest obstacle.

Ojabo has those same concerns plus his Achilles must withstand the weight-bearing force of another human. Now factor in that the human trying to stop you is 300 plus pounds and their sole purpose is to bury you where you stand.

When you add the torque and bending that is required being an edge defender, it is easy to see why making a full recovery from a torn Achilles will be harder for defensive ends than it is for skill position players.

Reason No. 2: Ojabo’s skillset

Ojabo was being given first-round consideration because of his physical gifts. In college, Ojabo was able to win with his physical traits and did not have to strongly rely on his technique. In the grand scheme of NFL prospects, Ojabo is extremely raw and will need to be developed to be worth his draft stock.

With recovery being his primary focus, it is going to be almost impossible to improve on his technique from a physical standpoint. While it will be possible to learn technique from a mental standpoint, without the physical application of drilling them repeatedly, it will be a lost cause. By the time Ojabo is able to shift his focus on improving his technique he will be entering his third year of professional football.