Draft Profile Series: Jeremiah Attaochu
- Updated: April 23, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB/DE, 6-3 ½, 252, Georgia Tech
Key stats: In past two seasons had 81 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks.
Strengths: Brings it on every play. … Has good knee bend when flying around tackles. … Can really get low and then flatten out his rush to shorten route to quarterback. … Converts speed to power and runs over running backs attempting to block him. … Isn’t merely an edge rusher … can bull rush or dive inside and get upfield. … Applies consistent pressure throughout entire game. … Doesn’t just flash from time to time. … Good physical tackler. … Does great job of keeping outside leverage on run plays. … Has huge, strong hands that help him win initial battles with linemen and bring down quarterbacks.
Weaknesses: Needs some more counter moves to refine his rush skills. … … Sometimes takes himself out of plays while trying to do too much. … Needs to add strength in order to consistently deal with NFL offensive tackles. … If linemen or tight ends get hands on him he struggles to disengage. … If he doesn’t win early doesn’t have enough in his repertoire to counteract. … Has dropped in coverage, but isn’t a natural yet and doesn’t look extremely comfortable when not attacking.
Conclusion: There were a some games – most notably vs. Pitt, Clemson and Georgia – where Attaochu was nearly unblockable. … He is about as good a rusher as there is in this draft. Played both as 4-3 end and standup outside backer, but will likely find his home as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. … Teams will love his intense effort and attitude he brings to the game. Worst-case scenario, Attaochu will become a situational rusher, but I believe his talent and drive will make him a force in a few seasons.
NFL comparison: Justin Houston.
Draft projection: Second round.
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