2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cedric Ogbuehi

Strengths:
  • Elite, rare athlete
  • Supremely athletic
  • Great feet
  • Natural knee-bender
  • Explosive
  • Very fast
  • Extremely mobile
  • Fast, quick slide
  • Tremendous ability to get to the second level
  • Phenomenal downfield; ability to execute screens
  • Long arms
  • Good length
  • Fast at hitting kick-out blocks
  • Fast in his pass drop
  • Very skilled at mirroring speed rushers going for corner
  • Holds up well against bull rushes
  • Has the ability to shut down elite pass-rushers for 4 quarters
  • Superb pad level
  • Mobility for zone scheme
  • Recoverability
  • Position flexibility, starting experience at three spots
  • Huge upside




  • Weaknesses:
  • Torn ACL
  • Back injury in 2014
  • Needs to add strength in order to sustain blocks


  • Summary: If Ogbuehi hadn’t torn an ACL in his his bowl game against West Virginia, he would probably be a mid-first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Over the past three seasons, Ogbuehi was been an extremely effective blocker for the Aggies and he has a rare skill set to be an NFL left tackle.

    Ogbuehi had an excellent 2012 season blocking for Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. With Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews at the tackle positions, Ogbuehi started inside at guard. He excelled in pass and run blocking on the inside. Ogbuehi had a superb 2013 season as a pass-protector at right tackle. The junior opened holes in the ground game and was a very reliable blocker to negate the speed rushers of the SEC.

    The senior moved to left tackle for 2014. He got off to a strong start in the early portion of the year before hitting a slump. Versus Ole Miss, Ogbuehi was beaten for one sack and gave up a critical hit on Kenny Hill that helped result in a 75-yard pick six. Against Mississippi State, Ogbuehi had a disappointing game as he allowed three sacks. The outing against Alabama was the third-straight game in which Ogbuehi played poorly. He gave up two sacks and multiple other pressures and hits on his quarterback to the Crimson Tide.

    Ogbuehi suffered a common problem in those sacks: He was getting in position perfectly, but couldn’t sustain his blocks. The reason for his failures was a lack of strength. Sources said that Ogbuehi was playing with a back injury that prevented him from lifting weights, thus he was lacking strength. After that rough stretch, Ogbuehi finished the year playing better and moved around between right tackle to left tackle.

    For the NFL, Ogbuehi looks like a starting tackle as soon as he’s healthy. Oguebhi has amazing speed and agility for the tackle position. He could be a shutdown pass-protector in who can neutralize elite NFL speed rushers. Ogbuehi has fast, light feet that allow him to mirror easily. He is extremely quick and agile to beat defenders to a spot. Along with his fast feet, Ogbuehi is a natural knee-bender. That allows him to get in position for blocks so he doesn’t have to reach, lunge, or get off balance. Ogbuehi is a rare player with phenomenal speed and athleticism.

    Even though Oguebhi is a supremely athletic tackle, he can contribute in the ground game. While Ogbuehi isn’t strong, he was an effective run-blocker with the technique to move defenders at the point of attack. He uses his speed to beat them to a spot and gains leverage.

    The big issue for Ogbuehi is getting stronger to sustain blocks. If his back injury is recurring, it could really hurt him as a player. If Ogbuehi can add the strength to improve his ability to maintain blocks and push defenders in the ground game, he could be a dynamite left tackle in the NFL. If Ogbuehi is able to combine increased strength with his speed and athleticism, he could be a franchise left tackle.

    In the 2015 NFL Draft, Oguebhi looks like a second-day pick and most likely a second-rounder.



    Player Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Ogbuehi’s game is similar to Ferguson. Both are cat quick for left tackles with the athleticism to handle speed rushers. Neither is overpowering in the ground game, but both have the functional strength to get movement at the point of attack. If Ogbuehi stays healthy, I think he could be an NFL tackle similar to Ferguson.

    NFL Matches: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Oakland, New York Giants, Cleveland, St. Louis, Kansas City, San Diego, Houston

    On the second day of the 2015 NFL Draft, there are a number of options for Ogbuehi. The Bucs need a left tackle of the future, another tackle, and a guard to pair with Logan Mankins. Ogbuehi would be a great fit for Tampa Bay at pick No. 34 as he could give the team a franchise left tackle to protect Jameis Winston.

    The Panthers need to upgrade their offensive tackles, and Ogbuehi could be a fit for the organization in the second round. Carolina could easily miss out on the top offensive tackles, so Oguebhi could be a great value.

    Tennessee has a need at right tackle. If Ogbuehi is the Titans top-rated player available at No. 33, he could be the selection for them. The Raiders have bigger needs, but Donald Penn is no spring chicken, so Ogbuehi could be groomed on the bench to replace Penn in 2016.

    The Giants are looking to improve their offensive line, and Ogbuehi could be a fit for them in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft if they don’t take an offensive lineman in the first round. Cleveland could use more talent on the inside and at right tackle. Ogbuehi would be a nice value for the Browns in the second round. In time, he could replace Joe Thomas at left tackle.

    The Chiefs and Chargers also need a lot of help on their offensive lines. Both teams could consider Ogbuehi in the second round – if he’s even still there.

    The Rams seem like a very logical landing spot for Ogbuehi. St. Louis must keep Nick Foles healthy to have any shot at making a run at the playoffs in the rugged NFC West. Joe Barksdale could be upgraded at right tackle, and Davin Joseph isn’t a long-term starter at right guard. In the second round, Ogbuehi looks like a potential fit for the Rams, and he could form a nice bookend with Greg Robinson.

    The Texans could use interior offensive line help. They could draft Ogbuehi in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft to compete at guard or center. He could eventually become the replacement at left tackle for Duane Brown.




    RELATED LINKS:


    2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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