Green Bay Packers: 3 First Round EDGE Draft Prospects

Joseph Ossai – Texas

Joseph Ossai may just be that guy for the Green Bay Packers to consider if he’s on the board at 29. Different sites have him mocked very differently, but he definitely is a name you could hear on night one of the draft.

Ossai is a prospect that has shades of Rashan Gary, but with plenty of distinct differences that make them different players. The most similar thing about them coming out of college is a lack of pass rush production, as Ossai had just 10.5 sacks in his final two seasons at Texas.

As a pass rusher, he has high potential because of his power, speed, and hands. Right now, watching him on tape, it doesn’t appear he has much pass rush creativity, and he’s almost always just trying to win off the edge. He just tries to swipe his hands, dip his shoulder, and get around the offensive tackle. The opposing tackle always knows exactly what’s coming, which allows him to set extremely deep and just wait for Ossai, but even with this, he will sometimes win with quickness and agility, which he also utilizes extremely well when he is the player looping around on a twist.

What he desperately needs is an inside move. It doesn’t have to even be elaborate or flashy. There is so much space that he can just give a head fake outside and get to the QB inside.  He did just that in a game against Oklahoma State and wasn’t even touched. That power with his arms that I mentioned earlier would also make for a killer strong-arm move if he could get extended and get the lineman on his heels.

His strong arms also help him immensely in the run game as he’s able to shed offensive lineman away from him and make the play. The main issue with his run defense is that he rushes upfield way too much. He often leaves a huge hole between the tackle and guard because he was trying so hard to make the play in the backfield. That aggression is often rewarded, though, as he totaled 29 tackles for loss in 22 games across his final two seasons with the Longhorns.

He has so many physical tools that make him very intriguing if he can develop a couple of pass rush moves and be more disciplined on the outside. Overall, he’s my favorite of the three guys I’ve discussed because of his enormous potential, added to the fact that he’s the most NFL-ready prospect to contribute on day one.

So what do you think of these three Green Bay Packers’ draft prospects? Do you think they should stay away from this position in the first round at all costs? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.