Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Oregon, CB
Height: 5.9
Weight: 192
40yd: —
Age: 22
Check out all of The War Room content
Positives:
Very good athletic ability for the cornerback position and has the quickness demanded of a player of his size and stature. Flexible with burst and closing speed. Has very fluid hips to mirror off the line and to play tight coverage in a short area. Shows smooth, effortless footwork and backpedal in bail. Has the range to go from one sideline to other in pursuit. Has the movement skills to cover the slot in the NFL and will likely find his home there.
Is unafraid to get physical and hands-on in coverage, despite a short, thin frame. Played a lot of zone at Oregon and is experienced doing so. Has the athletic ability and physical nature to play man coverage against some larger receivers. Shows some natural instincts and has a handle on the game despite being a very raw player. Has good ball skills and timing to contest passes. Will reach in and rake the ball out of opposing receivers’ hands. Capable of working off of blocks and corralling ballcarriers near the sideline. Productive player with good football character.
Negatives:
Has a lot of red flags, and there are some obstacles to him being able to make it in the NFL. Long speed has come into question, especially without it being tested during the offseason. Plays too conservative vertically and leaves himself exposed underneath. Doesn’t have the explosiveness to contest underneath catches with the amount of cushion he gives. A little too willing to gamble and has some freelancing tendency. Technique is missing. Can have some trouble breaking down in the open field versus the run. Will come in too hot and aggressive, failing to wrap up ballcarriers at times. Frame raises concerns about his ability to handle NFL punishment, and knee injury doesn’t help dispel that notion.
Red Flags: Size, Injury, Durability, Raw Talent
Bottom Line: A player who showed first round potential as a junior, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu’s return in 2014 resulted in a missed opportunity. Coming off a torn ACL following the regular season, Ekpre-Olomu has been unable to put his ability to the measuring stick for teams and remains a wildcard as to where he will be drafted and when he can contribute. Ekpre-Olomu’s raw talent is worth developing and could become a very good slot corner in a zone heavy defense. Similar in stature and mentality to 2014 first-rounder Jason Verrett.
Comparison: Jason Verrett
Grade: 8.6 (2nd Round)
Main Photo:
