College guys to watch

idymoe · #1 01-07-2009, 12:55 PM

In LZ's blog today, he mentions that Orakpo does not excel against the run and some insiders are saying that he will last into the low 20's in the draft. Most of the time during the Fiesta Bowl, I couldn't find Orakpo. He did have the big sack in the 4th quarter.

If Orakpo is there at 15, will the Texans hesitate to take him? It's funny how your wants can change on a guy who you think is unavailable to being taken 5-8 spots lower than your pick. It remains to be seen, of course, where he goes. I would still think he will go before our pick if he does well at the combine.

papabear · #2 01-07-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idymoe

In LZ's blog today, he mentions that Orakpo does not excel against the run and some insiders are saying that he will last into the low 20's in the draft. Most of the time during the Fiesta Bowl, I couldn't find Orakpo. He did have the big sack in the 4th quarter.

If Orakpo is there at 15, will the Texans hesitate to take him? It's funny how your wants can change on a guy who you think is unavailable to being taken 5-8 spots lower than your pick. It remains to be seen, of course, where he goes. I would still think he will go before our pick if he does well at the combine.

My concern with Orakpo is that I think he's going to be primarily an edge rusher at the next level. We need that, but I would worry about him against the run. If we were solid against the run up the middle I would be fine with it...especially since Mario does a good job on the run. I don't know that Orakpo can't play the run in the NFL, but I would be concerned about taking a one trick pony that high.

I could definitely see a 3-4 team take him an make him an OLB.

barrett · #3 01-07-2009, 01:53 PM

[QUOTE=papabear;6996]My concern with Orakpo is that I think he's going to be primarily an edge rusher at the next level. We need that, but I would worry about him against the run. If we were solid against the run up the middle I would be fine with it...especially since Mario does a good job on the run. I don't know that Orakpo can't play the run in the NFL, but I would be concerned about taking a one trick pony that high.

I could definitely see a 3-4 team take him an make him an OLB.[/QUOTE]

I think that is his best fit. I think he will be a mid to high 1st round pick, but it likely won't be by a team looking for a DE. The one skill he possesses (edge rusher) is so highly valued he will be an impact player, but I think its better utilized as a 3-4 OLB (and the weaknesses are less relevant).

Roy P · #4 01-07-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papabear

I don't know that Orakpo can't play the run in the NFL, but I would be concerned about taking a one trick pony that high.

I could definitely see a 3-4 team take him an make him an OLB.

He looks similar to Mark Anderson of the Bears. He is basically the 3rd down pass-rusher to spell Alex Brown. Oh, he was drafted in the 4th round too.