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SMSG's Football Player Scouting Reports ArchiveExclusively available to you here at Seventh Millennium Sports Gear(tm)In affiliation with ScatterMall.com(tm) Sports Equipment. |
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Brian Orakpo | |||
Washington Redskins | DE | 13 | Texas |
| Strength: Brian Orakpo put up terrific sack and tackle for loss numbers against top college competition. Brian Orakpo has had some games where he absolutely dominated double coverage. Brian Orakpo is extremely strong in the upper, lower, and mid body regions. Brian Orakpo induces a lot of opponent mistakes. Pound-for-pound Brian Orakpo was probably the most athletic defensive end in the 2009 NFL draft, and certainly one of the strongest. | |||
| Weakness: Brian Orakpo at times seemed to disappear from games in college. Brian Orakpo has had some issues with injuries. | |||
| Development: The Redskins prefer defensive ends who play disciplined football and stuff the run. Brian Orakpo specializes in making offensive linemen swing at air as he blows by them. For this reason, the Redskins are expected to turn Brian Orakpo into a pass rushing linebacker, though he has little experience at the position. Brian Orakpo is perfectly capable of stopping the run, but it isn't his specialty and the Redskins don't want him to be distracted by this responsibility. They drafted him to address problems getting to the QB, not to get an athletic run stopper. The biggest challenge for Orakpo will be learning to read offenses and cover receivers. Getting to quarterbacks and taking down running backs that happen by him with the ball shouldn't be an issue. Brian Orakpo is definitely athletic enough to play every down at defensive end or linebacker, but mistakes are to be expected while he tries to learn his responsibilities for both. On the other hand, it would be a shock if he didn't make a lot of big plays in the backfield too. | |||
| Fantasy Football Rating: Probably the best big play defensive rookie in the draft this year. | |||
| Typecast Outlook Opinion: Ideal all-around defensive end. Great pass rusher. Should have long, successful NFL career with some Pro Bowls. | |||
Next 2009 Rookie:
Kevin Barnes's SMSG scouting report.
Go back to Redskins 2009 Rookies List.