Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Overview

Today’s NFL requires defenses to have a guy like Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. In other words, they need a linebacker that runs from sideline to sideline. Additionally, they can play as a hybrid linebacker. Aside from his long name, the former Notre Dame star has a credible list of noteworthy traits. Currently, he is ranked among the top 100 prospects of the draft. That means the tape shows promise in a player that can potentially start on Day One.

Based out of Hampton, VA, Owusu-Koramoah arrived on campus and spent a lot of time on special teams. In 2019, he finished with 79 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. In 2020, he finished with 55 tackles as the Fighting Irish made an appearance in the College Football Playoff, losing to eventual champions Alabama. He was awarded the prestigious Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker. Though his stats were somewhat pedestrian, the tape shows otherwise.

Strengths

High quickness and anticipation;

Can close to the football at a high level;

Runs sideline to sideline;

Excellent awareness;

Zone coverage is above average;

Can play the run extremely well.

Weaknesses

Must add some weight to fill out frame;

Needs to add more in pass coverage;

Plays more like a safety than a linebacker;

Blitzing may be limited unless frame filled out;

Lacks the strength to play inside the box.

Projection: Mid to late First Round

Bottom Line on Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has intangibles that help him rise up the draft board. He also plays a style of football that would not have survived in previous years but can function today. He has the quickness that can’t be ignored. Also, he’s played on big stages against top competition and performed quite admirably. Additionally, his instincts are of high regard as the need for his type of linebacker is in high demand. The offenses are getting more explosive, and defenses are left needing a new look. A player like Owusu-Koramoah is what the NFL needs right now in how they envision an inside linebacker.

However, his current weight is an issue. By gaining a few more pounds, he will thrive beyond what is currently projected. Nevertheless, his college production is certainly credible. Also, his resume does have great moments. But his pass coverage, although good at times, needs a bit of tweaking. Against Alabama, he and his teammates were outmatched, which hurts his resume to some degree. The NFL is demanding in pass coverage. Given that quarterbacks are thriving and what weapons they have at their disposal, defenses must adjust. Moreover, he may be asked to blitz more often in the NFL. Nevertheless, this is a fine athlete that a team can expect to make a big contribution.