Brian Asamoah NFL Draft Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 225 pounds
School: University of Oklahoma
Arms: 32 5/8”
Hands: 10”
Vertical Jump: 36.5
Broad Jump: 124
40 Yard Dash: 4.56
Brian Asamoah 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Asamoah’s Career at Oklahoma
Brian Asamoah began his career at the University of Oklahoma in 2018. He redshirted his first season with the Sooners before becoming a staple contributor in 2019. The linebacker racked up 23 tackles and two sacks in his second season as a Sooner. He helped anchor an improving defense under Alex Grinch and Lincoln Riley.
Brian Asamoah is not your average LB ♨️ pic.twitter.com/GtmW4DIiT8
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 4, 2022
The Oklahoma star linebacker was even better in 2020. He showed out with nine starts and racked up 66 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. He continued his upward trajectory in 2021 with 10 starts in 12 games and amassed 90 tackles and forced two fumbles. The Oklahoma offense struggled mightily in 2021 and often leaned on the defense. Stars like Asamoah, Nik Bonitto, and Perrion Winfrey served as anchors to change the culture in Norman. The defense helped to keep the offense in games, a refreshing change of pace for Sooner fans.
Strengths
- Quickness getting to the backfield
- Athleticism and versatility defending the run, pass and rushing the quarterback
- Top speed sideline to sideline
- Versatility; he is able to cover as well as rush the passer and defend the run
Weaknesses
- Small in stature
- Some inefficient movement
- Subpar upper body strength
- Avoids physicality
NFL Comparison: Duke Riley or Jerome Baker
Teams With Need at Position: Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets
Prediction: Fourth round
Bottom Line on Brian Asamoah
Defensive players drafted out of Oklahoma in the last 10 years seem to have a few characteristics in common, including athleticism, and talent, and most are typically undersized. Playing in the Big 12 against the spread and air-raid offenses requires defenders to have to move in space and change direction quickly. Unfortunately, this style of play does not always translate to success in the NFL. Brian Asamoah is another highly talented and athletic defensive player out of the Big 12 who is undersized at his position and is being described as an oversized safety.
Most defensive stops on receptions by a Big 12 LB in 2021:
🥇 Brian Asamoah – 19
🥇 Malcolm Rodriguez – 19 pic.twitter.com/YkMQwWRA9N— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 21, 2022
The former Sooner will likely slide to the second or third day of the NFL draft thanks to his size, poor upper body strength, and non-physical style of play. Asamoah playing in the Big 12 boosts his versatility and cover ability but magnifies his small stature and lack of physicality. His lack of physicality leads to being pushed off of blocks and getting picked up in the secondary. Asamoah was a crucial piece in Oklahoma’s run-stop defense. However, he will need to improve his strength and technique to avoid getting pancaked in the NFL.
Asamoah will have many teams eager to draft him to increase their depth at linebacker. He also has raw talent and skill, which could help him find a starting position. Asamoah’s strengths could lead to a long career in the NFL as a three-down linebacker or to him converting to a nickelback position. Whichever team drafts Asamoah will get a skilled and versatile player at a discounted price.
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