NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas by Jody Jamieson 11/2/2009
Brian Orakpo made a splash in college as early as his freshman year. He may have only started one game and recorded half a sack, but 27 total tackles and a forced fumble earned Orakpo notoriety and he was voted defensive freshman of the year. In his sophomore year he kept on improving and was voted MVP of the 2007 Holiday Bowl. And the awards kept on coming as after his standout senior year, he was voted a Unanimous Consensus First-Team All American and was awarded the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and award honouring the best defensive player in all of college sports. Warren Sapp, Champ Bailey and Terrell Suggs are previous winners of the Nagurski Trophy.
Orakpo is a certain first round pick, and with Kansas City holding a third overall pick, they may consider doing something about their anemic pass rush in Round 1. While most don’t have him going quite that high, he’s likely to be a Top 10 pick in April. The Combine isn’t likely to harm Orakpo’s stock. He is a phenomenal athlete who could run a 4.6 40 and with his ability to bench 515 lbs (allegedly!) he should impress a lot of scouts in Indianapolis.
What we like about Orakpo
Orakpo looks NFL ready right now due to his speed and strength. Is fast enough and strong enough to rush the passer in a variety of ways, and is strong enough to stand up a tackle in the run game. A sure tackler who can wrap up a ball carrier or lay down the wood if he gets a clean shot. Has a lot of potential to get even better with good coaching. Could project well as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Solid against the run.
Question marks about Orakpo
Can be a little inconsistent and has been accused of taking the odd play off. Can struggle to shake off a block when he gets engaged at the line. Has some concerns about a right knee injury that plagued him during his college career. Relies a bit too much on his strength and speed and will need to improve his technique a little.
Highlight of his college career
Orakpo’s senior season cemented his place as one of the best prospects in this Draft class with an excellent senior season, recording 10.5 sacks with 18 tackles for loss as Texas went onto win the Orange Bowl over Ohio State at Dolphin Stadium in January.
Other snippets
Orakpo took pride in his community work while with the Longhorns, and even graduated with a degree in youth and business studies. Played some basketball at high school, and could have been recruited as a basketball player, but choose football. Wise move! Along with allegedly bench pressing 515 lbs, he can apparently squat an astonishing 600lbs. Look out for his vertical jump at the Combine. It is claimed that Orakpo has a 40″ vertical.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Orakpo is a certain first round pick, and with Kansas City holding a third overall pick, they may consider doing something about their anemic pass rush in Round 1. While most don’t have him going quite that high, he’s likely to be a Top 10 pick in April. The Combine isn’t likely to harm Orakpo’s stock. He is a phenomenal athlete who could run a 4.6 40 and with his ability to bench 515 lbs (allegedly!) he should impress a lot of scouts in Indianapolis.
