Kayode Awosika NFL Draft Overview
Position: Interior Offensive Line
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 307 Lbs.
School: University of Buffalo
Pro Day Performance Data
40-yard dash: 5.19 seconds
Vertical jump: 30”
Broad jump: 8’4”
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 28
Kayode Awosika 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Entering a deep draft class as a lower-conference tackle, Kayode Awosika presents a solid case amongst his peers. Just a two-star prospect out of Maple Grove High School in Osseo, MN, Awoksika found an ideal landing spot at Buffalo. Out of high school, Iowa State was the only school among power-five teams to give the mauling tackle an offer. There, he grew into a reliable run blocker with some impressive physical tools. In 2020, he helped teammate Jaret Patterson compile an outstanding rushing season. The back compiled 1,072 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry and 19 touchdowns, the third-best total in college football.
While Awoskia might not have the pedigree of a top blocker, he certainly packs a punch in the running game. Sure, he’s a little undersized, but he plays bigger than he measures. On the field, he shows the ability to control the pocket for his quarterback while giving some push in the run game. Developing well during his time at Buffalo, he was a starter in all games between his sophomore and senior years. In 2020, he earned First-Team All-MAC honors and the group was among the Joe Moore finalists for the best-combined blocking group. The team led the push for an offense that averaged 287.4 rushing yards per game, the second-best in college football. He has to improve on his technical skills, but still, Awosika provides a hard-working and strong blocking prospect.
Strengths
- Showcases pretty good movement skills on the line;
- Gets pretty nice push in running sets;
- Does a nice job setting the edge;
- His strength overwhelms defenders, even if he doesn’t engage right off the snap;
- Very aggressive and physical run blocker;
- Does whatever he can to finish blocks;
- Looks bigger on the field than his measurements reveal.
Weaknesses
- The lower level of competition will hamper NFL transition;
- Needs more reps to look comfortable in passing sets;
- Gets a little too vertical off the snap;
- Doesn’t consistently set a good frame;
- Looks confused at what to do with blockers in the second level;
- Could fire off the ball a little better;
- Footwork looks like it could use some adjustments.
NFL Comparison: Robert Hunt
Teams With Need at Position: Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs
Projection: Sixth Round
Bottom Line on Kayode Awosika
Not one of the more polished prospects in the class, Kayode Awosika still has a lot to like in his skillset. Certainly, a team looking to improve its run blocking game could see him as a major asset. Pushing for one of the best college rushing attacks in 2020, he could provide a good depth piece for a team right out of the gate. Still, his lack of technical skill will cause him to slide down draft boards. Potentially, he could move to guard to compensate for his size. However, his lack of speed will hurt his ability to thrive in the professional game. If he can find a way to improve his fundamentals during his professional development, it could be a game-changing improvement. Overall, Awosika presents a lot to like but needs to really refine his game and get more comfortable as a pass blocker.
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