OG Kelechi Osemele of Iowa State ~ 6.5/345
"Osemele's surname means "ancient warrior" in the language of his Nigerian ancestors, and any player who has to had match him with up over the past three years will tell you he tries to live up to that name every snap. His rare combination of size, strength, and absolute aggression make him an NFL offensive line coach's dream.
His size and athleticism earned him the team's scout player of the year in his redshirt 2007 season. He played in every game of his redshirt freshman season, starting five contests (four at left guard, one at right tackle). Coaches moved him to left tackle in the spring of 2009, and he pretty well enough to garner second-team All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press that season, as well as honorable-mention all-conference accolades from league coaches and media as a junior.
Osemele's mean disposition on the field will probably cause most teams to project him inside at the next level. Teams using a power-blocking scheme, however, may select him very high in the draft to play tackle, thinking they can coach him up on pass protection technique to improve his ability to stay with NFL speed rushers.
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Pass Blocking: Aggressive pass blocker with NFL-caliber length and thick frame. Plays with a wide base and locks onto rush ends with very strong hands. Few college defenders can bull rush against his strong anchor or get around his long arms to reach the quarterback. His pass pro technique needs work, however, and he stands up after the snap, lateral quickness is inconsistent, crosses his feet, and gets off balance too easily, giving up the corner against fast ends. Lacks recovery speed to prevent secondary rush if beaten in inside lane. Susceptible to holding calls when reaching or being a bit overaggressive.
Run Blocking: Possesses a guard build, with a little extra girth in the middle, and is bulldozer as a run blocker inside. Uses strong upper body to latch onto and control any defender getting into his path. Finishes blocks. Agile enough to down-black the tackle then reach a linebacker waiting in the box. Will even jump towards a second target if he sees back coming through the hole. Need to work on getting low in short-yardage situations. Inconsistent cut blocker, more effective when getting down to prevent backside pursuit in run game rather than bringing down rushers on quick passes.
Pulling/Trapping: Owns short-area quickness to trap, and will negate targets in that role, but is most effective when staying in tight quarters or moving straight-ahead off the snap. Would be limited to hitting first target and could get in running back's way if asked to pull.
Initial Quickness: Gets his massive frame moving more quickly than anticipated off the snap. Good explosion from three-point stance. Jumps inside to wall off defenders from inside lanes and is effective taking out tackle's shoulder on zone-blocking plays.
DownField: Lacks great foot speed to adjust to smaller defenders but gives good effort to get to second level or further. Attacks targets and attempts to sustain instead of just punching. Bends at the waist, overextends while holding block in space but is generally effective due to his size and strong hands.
Intangibles: Plays with legitimate nastiness, gets after it on every play and will through the whistle if challenged. Smart player who called out blitzes, has changed positions in college, and works hard to improve every year."
--Chad Reuter
His size and athleticism earned him the team's scout player of the year in his redshirt 2007 season. He played in every game of his redshirt freshman season, starting five contests (four at left guard, one at right tackle). Coaches moved him to left tackle in the spring of 2009, and he pretty well enough to garner second-team All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press that season, as well as honorable-mention all-conference accolades from league coaches and media as a junior.
Osemele's mean disposition on the field will probably cause most teams to project him inside at the next level. Teams using a power-blocking scheme, however, may select him very high in the draft to play tackle, thinking they can coach him up on pass protection technique to improve his ability to stay with NFL speed rushers.
***
Pass Blocking: Aggressive pass blocker with NFL-caliber length and thick frame. Plays with a wide base and locks onto rush ends with very strong hands. Few college defenders can bull rush against his strong anchor or get around his long arms to reach the quarterback. His pass pro technique needs work, however, and he stands up after the snap, lateral quickness is inconsistent, crosses his feet, and gets off balance too easily, giving up the corner against fast ends. Lacks recovery speed to prevent secondary rush if beaten in inside lane. Susceptible to holding calls when reaching or being a bit overaggressive.
Run Blocking: Possesses a guard build, with a little extra girth in the middle, and is bulldozer as a run blocker inside. Uses strong upper body to latch onto and control any defender getting into his path. Finishes blocks. Agile enough to down-black the tackle then reach a linebacker waiting in the box. Will even jump towards a second target if he sees back coming through the hole. Need to work on getting low in short-yardage situations. Inconsistent cut blocker, more effective when getting down to prevent backside pursuit in run game rather than bringing down rushers on quick passes.
Pulling/Trapping: Owns short-area quickness to trap, and will negate targets in that role, but is most effective when staying in tight quarters or moving straight-ahead off the snap. Would be limited to hitting first target and could get in running back's way if asked to pull.
Initial Quickness: Gets his massive frame moving more quickly than anticipated off the snap. Good explosion from three-point stance. Jumps inside to wall off defenders from inside lanes and is effective taking out tackle's shoulder on zone-blocking plays.
DownField: Lacks great foot speed to adjust to smaller defenders but gives good effort to get to second level or further. Attacks targets and attempts to sustain instead of just punching. Bends at the waist, overextends while holding block in space but is generally effective due to his size and strong hands.
Intangibles: Plays with legitimate nastiness, gets after it on every play and will through the whistle if challenged. Smart player who called out blitzes, has changed positions in college, and works hard to improve every year."
--Chad Reuter
"A powerfully built, naturally girthed offensive lineman who plays left tackle for the Cyclones, but his body type might be better suited to play as a guard. Possesses natural athleticism for his size and he does have the ability to bend and sit into his stance despite getting lazy and bending at the waist at times.
Needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time and not wasting so much motion into his man in the run game. Has a tendency to pop upright off the football, struggles to gain natural leverage and will bend at the waist and extend his arms into contact.
Struggles to play as powerfully as his frame would suggest in the run game, especially when he needs to reach a defender off his frame. Displays a powerful set of hands, long arms and can stick through contact. He works his legs in order to create a push, but seems to roll his hips into defenders and there isn't a real snap at the point.
Moves well and looks coordinated on the move for his size, can drop his pad level and chop down defenders at the second level with the initial quickness to get out of his stance and reach block.
Showcases solid initial quickness for his size off the edge, but not enough to hold his own vs. NFL caliber speed rushers. Gets high with his pad level and overextended with his footwork when trying to reach the edge and/or re-direct back inside.
Does a nice job keeping his hands up ready to punch and unleashes a quick jolt into contact and will stick through the play. Moves his feet well through contact and can be bit of a Velcro player, but he has a tendency to double over at the waist into contact, lose balance and whiff at his target. Can sit into his stance and anchor, but when trying to play fast he gets too high, allowing defenders to get under his pad level and turn the corner.
Impression: A big, thick kid with natural strength, athleticism and flexibility. Has improved his technique and overall range off the edge, but is better suited to play inside or on the right side. But can mature into one of the leagues best at either spots."
Needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time and not wasting so much motion into his man in the run game. Has a tendency to pop upright off the football, struggles to gain natural leverage and will bend at the waist and extend his arms into contact.
Struggles to play as powerfully as his frame would suggest in the run game, especially when he needs to reach a defender off his frame. Displays a powerful set of hands, long arms and can stick through contact. He works his legs in order to create a push, but seems to roll his hips into defenders and there isn't a real snap at the point.
Moves well and looks coordinated on the move for his size, can drop his pad level and chop down defenders at the second level with the initial quickness to get out of his stance and reach block.
Showcases solid initial quickness for his size off the edge, but not enough to hold his own vs. NFL caliber speed rushers. Gets high with his pad level and overextended with his footwork when trying to reach the edge and/or re-direct back inside.
Does a nice job keeping his hands up ready to punch and unleashes a quick jolt into contact and will stick through the play. Moves his feet well through contact and can be bit of a Velcro player, but he has a tendency to double over at the waist into contact, lose balance and whiff at his target. Can sit into his stance and anchor, but when trying to play fast he gets too high, allowing defenders to get under his pad level and turn the corner.
Impression: A big, thick kid with natural strength, athleticism and flexibility. Has improved his technique and overall range off the edge, but is better suited to play inside or on the right side. But can mature into one of the leagues best at either spots."
"Pass Blocking: Kelechi Osemele will be aided by his time spent at tackle in college. He’s a good athlete considering his size. He has long arms and powerful hands that don’t allow defenders to shake him once they are engaged. He has a powerful anchor and sits in his stance well for his size. Playing on the interior will alleviate some of the issues he has getting to the edge against speed. He has a tendency to play high and get overextended when working his way to the edge against speed rushers.
Run Blocking: I was disappointed by Osemele in the run game. I expected him to be physically dominant at the point of attack but he wasn’t. A ton of natural strength but he played soft as he was slow off the snap. He gets lazy out of his stance and struggles to gain leverage in the run game. Once engaged he is a pure drive blocker but will need to work on his technique off the ball. He’s got sticky hands and sticks through contact. He moves well and plays coordinated for his size.
Technique: Osemele’s footwork is solid for a big man and his hand placement is above-average. He will have to avoid getting his hands on the outside of defenders in the NFL as that’s a penalty every time.
Athleticism/Strength: Solid athleticism for his size. He should be a factor athletically if he plays inside in the NFL. He’s got a ton of natural strength but I would like to see it more consistently in the run game.
Bottom Line: Kelechi Osemele is a powerful player that spent most of his time at tackle in college. He will likely be moved inside in the NFL as he doesn’t have the quicks to get to the edge againstNFLDE’s. Osemele needs to play more physical in the run game but has the upside to be a starter at guard.
Draft Projection: 2-3."
Run Blocking: I was disappointed by Osemele in the run game. I expected him to be physically dominant at the point of attack but he wasn’t. A ton of natural strength but he played soft as he was slow off the snap. He gets lazy out of his stance and struggles to gain leverage in the run game. Once engaged he is a pure drive blocker but will need to work on his technique off the ball. He’s got sticky hands and sticks through contact. He moves well and plays coordinated for his size.
Technique: Osemele’s footwork is solid for a big man and his hand placement is above-average. He will have to avoid getting his hands on the outside of defenders in the NFL as that’s a penalty every time.
Athleticism/Strength: Solid athleticism for his size. He should be a factor athletically if he plays inside in the NFL. He’s got a ton of natural strength but I would like to see it more consistently in the run game.
Bottom Line: Kelechi Osemele is a powerful player that spent most of his time at tackle in college. He will likely be moved inside in the NFL as he doesn’t have the quicks to get to the edge againstNFLDE’s. Osemele needs to play more physical in the run game but has the upside to be a starter at guard.
Draft Projection: 2-3."
"Gargantuan left tackle who looks every bit the part with a powerful base and vines for arms that allow him to recover when he gets out of position.
However, still does not know how far he needs to go and is very complacent coasting on his natural talent.
Lacks discipline, is not a worker and weight has tended to fluctuate in the past.
Has a soft playing temperament and does not finish blocks.
Inconsistent effort and intensity level.
Tends to play upright with marginal hand use — shows little pop in his punch.
Has rare physical traits and is loaded with upside, but will require a strong, nurturing position coach to maximize his talent. Boom-or-bust potential."
However, still does not know how far he needs to go and is very complacent coasting on his natural talent.
Lacks discipline, is not a worker and weight has tended to fluctuate in the past.
Has a soft playing temperament and does not finish blocks.
Inconsistent effort and intensity level.
Tends to play upright with marginal hand use — shows little pop in his punch.
Has rare physical traits and is loaded with upside, but will require a strong, nurturing position coach to maximize his talent. Boom-or-bust potential."
"First Word: Osemele is going to be a prospect that NFL scouts and teams love. He possesses great size and good athletic ability. His potential is through the roof which is what could facilitate a major jump up draft boards. He is a powerful player with the ability to pass protect and run block.
His strong lower half allows him to anchor after contact and avoid being pushed into the pocket. Osemele has quick enough feet to reach the edge against most rushers. However, he doesn't have elite foot speed which will likely mean a move to right tackle or guard. As a run blocker, Osemele possess the ideal size, strength, and explosion.
While Osemele is a good prospect he still needs to put in a ton of work. He really struggles with the consistency of his technique. He has a tendency to get over extended and bend at the waste impacting his balance.
Osemele needs to work harder to get inside hands as he often finds himself clutching the defenders shoulders. All of these issues can be corrected and will be something to watch this season.
Overall, potential is going to be the name of the game with Osemele. There are not many players with his combination of size and athletic ability. If he improves his technique, Osemele could easily be one of the better offensive line prospects of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Bold Statement: Osemele has the ability and potential that could push him into the top 15 of the 2012 draft.
Games Viewed: Oklahoma ('10), Texas ('10)
Notes:
His strong lower half allows him to anchor after contact and avoid being pushed into the pocket. Osemele has quick enough feet to reach the edge against most rushers. However, he doesn't have elite foot speed which will likely mean a move to right tackle or guard. As a run blocker, Osemele possess the ideal size, strength, and explosion.
While Osemele is a good prospect he still needs to put in a ton of work. He really struggles with the consistency of his technique. He has a tendency to get over extended and bend at the waste impacting his balance.
Osemele needs to work harder to get inside hands as he often finds himself clutching the defenders shoulders. All of these issues can be corrected and will be something to watch this season.
Overall, potential is going to be the name of the game with Osemele. There are not many players with his combination of size and athletic ability. If he improves his technique, Osemele could easily be one of the better offensive line prospects of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Bold Statement: Osemele has the ability and potential that could push him into the top 15 of the 2012 draft.
Games Viewed: Oklahoma ('10), Texas ('10)
Notes:
- Osemele is a massive person with good weight distribution
- He possesses long arms
- There is a nastiness to Osemele's game
- His overall athletic ability is surprising as he has good fluid motions
- Osemele is able to quickly move his feet while remaining balanced
- Due to a powerful base, Osemele is able to hold at the point and anchor after initial contact
- He possesses the ability the bend at his knees but reaches to often resulting in a bend at the waste
- His technique is plagued with inconsistencies
- From time to time, he raises his pad level, bends at the waist, gets his hands on the shoulder of the defender, and has wasted hand motions
- He has quick feet but that quickness is not elite"
"Massive offensive lineman with 30 career starts will play LT this fall, but projects to OG at the next level; dominating drive blocker who packs a mean punch and plays with a bit of a nasty streak; has long arms, good balance and tremendous lower body strength; also has good pop off the snap and plays to the whistle;
Doesn’t run all that well, but is reasonably light on his feet; can redirect and slide his feet in pass protection, but will struggle at times with speed rushers; not a natural knee bender and can be inconsistent technically as he tends to get over extended and doesn’t always extend his arms."
Doesn’t run all that well, but is reasonably light on his feet; can redirect and slide his feet in pass protection, but will struggle at times with speed rushers; not a natural knee bender and can be inconsistent technically as he tends to get over extended and doesn’t always extend his arms."
"Positives -- Very big player with a wide frame, uses his frame very nicely against his opponent; plays with a strong and wide base, can push his opponents forward... Uses his hands extremely well for such a big player, may be his best quality as a lineman... Has the size to get in front of a defender and make them work around him...
Had the largest wingspan of any player at the Senior Bowl at 85½ inches... You can't teach size and coupled with good hand usage and decent footwork, has all of the raw skills you'd like to see from an offensive lineman in the NFL...
Plays best in phone booth situations, close quarters and confined space, small area, when he doesn't have to move his feet too much or too far... Played left tackle at Iowa State but projects best moving inside to guard at the next level... Because of his length there may be teams tempted to give him looks at right tackle before moving him inside...
However, if he starts at right tackle, the team would always be looking for an offensive tackle so they can move him inside... Osemele actually reminds me of someone like Shawn Andrews or Vernon Casey; when completely healthy and in shape, they can do a solid job at RT but might be a Pro Bowler at OG.
Negatives -- First step is rather slow, gets beaten to the inside rather easily... At 6'5", is already pretty high off the ground and doesn't do anything to help himself; plays with a high pad level, almost as if he is standing up straight...
Needs to bend his knees more and play lower to the ground, or he will continue to get beat by elementary moves in the NFL... Slow off the line and doesn't have a great outside step... Lumbers and can be slow to redirect, isn't as physical as his size would suggest...
Doesn't have good lateral range or nimble feet and is projected to the right side or inside... High-level defensive ends would have a field day with him off the edge, no way he can stick at left tackle in the NFL... Doesn't possess a good stance and loses his balance too often, will get turned around at the next level...
Can't stress enough that he plays way too big and needs to stay lower and develop more central balance... The good news is his weaknesses can all be worked on, needs to be coached up to complement his raw physical abilities...
Overall, not very impressed with Osemele aside from his size, but at this point he doesn't seem to be able to couple his raw abilities to on-field performance."
Had the largest wingspan of any player at the Senior Bowl at 85½ inches... You can't teach size and coupled with good hand usage and decent footwork, has all of the raw skills you'd like to see from an offensive lineman in the NFL...
Plays best in phone booth situations, close quarters and confined space, small area, when he doesn't have to move his feet too much or too far... Played left tackle at Iowa State but projects best moving inside to guard at the next level... Because of his length there may be teams tempted to give him looks at right tackle before moving him inside...
However, if he starts at right tackle, the team would always be looking for an offensive tackle so they can move him inside... Osemele actually reminds me of someone like Shawn Andrews or Vernon Casey; when completely healthy and in shape, they can do a solid job at RT but might be a Pro Bowler at OG.
Negatives -- First step is rather slow, gets beaten to the inside rather easily... At 6'5", is already pretty high off the ground and doesn't do anything to help himself; plays with a high pad level, almost as if he is standing up straight...
Needs to bend his knees more and play lower to the ground, or he will continue to get beat by elementary moves in the NFL... Slow off the line and doesn't have a great outside step... Lumbers and can be slow to redirect, isn't as physical as his size would suggest...
Doesn't have good lateral range or nimble feet and is projected to the right side or inside... High-level defensive ends would have a field day with him off the edge, no way he can stick at left tackle in the NFL... Doesn't possess a good stance and loses his balance too often, will get turned around at the next level...
Can't stress enough that he plays way too big and needs to stay lower and develop more central balance... The good news is his weaknesses can all be worked on, needs to be coached up to complement his raw physical abilities...
Overall, not very impressed with Osemele aside from his size, but at this point he doesn't seem to be able to couple his raw abilities to on-field performance."
"Osemele is a big, powerful lineman that attacks assignments and plays with a nasty attitude.
He drives opponents off the ball as a run blocker, completely annihilating them at the point.
He jolts defenders with tremendous hand punch, blocks with good lean as well as an exceptionally wide base.
Osemele must improve his blocking balance and lacks the footwork to stay at the left tackle spot he presently mans at ISU.
We feel he could be the highest rank guard prospect moving towards the 2012 draft."
He drives opponents off the ball as a run blocker, completely annihilating them at the point.
He jolts defenders with tremendous hand punch, blocks with good lean as well as an exceptionally wide base.
Osemele must improve his blocking balance and lacks the footwork to stay at the left tackle spot he presently mans at ISU.
We feel he could be the highest rank guard prospect moving towards the 2012 draft."
"The bottom line here is that Osemele is a very raw prospect who at times struggles to maintain technique. Since he's so strong, there are times when he doesn't set his feet properly or extend his arms to initiate contact. He needs to remember to stay low, bend his knees, and absorb contact.
That said, the sky is the limit here and given his penchant for both pass and run blocking, NFL teams are going to love this guy. His mean streak (something all offensive linemen must have) is unquestioned.
He is looking to take guys out every play. Osemele's elite size, strength, and bulk are all going to pass the eye-ball test for scouts and he's going to catch a lot of attention because of it."
That said, the sky is the limit here and given his penchant for both pass and run blocking, NFL teams are going to love this guy. His mean streak (something all offensive linemen must have) is unquestioned.
He is looking to take guys out every play. Osemele's elite size, strength, and bulk are all going to pass the eye-ball test for scouts and he's going to catch a lot of attention because of it."
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