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PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT
David Ojabo is an impressive prospect who stepped into the spotlight along with his teammate Aidan Hutchinson in 2021 at Michigan. Ojabo is a disruptive edge rusher who uses a lethal combination of speed and power with his length to maneuver around blockers on his way to the QB drop point. When he cannot get a sack, he has a knack for the strip-sack using his long arms to swipe at the football. He displays a unique ability to contort his body with good balance and bend when working the edge. He can play standing up or with his hand on the ground.
In 2021, Ojabo has flourished in new Defensive Coordinator Mike MacDonalds Baltimore Ravens-style defense that often features a 2-4-5 defense where he and Aidan Hutchinson play standing up on the edges.
He uses his length and lateral quickness in the run game to reel in opposing runners out of the backfield. He has good strength and often defeats opposing blockers who try to anchor him in the run game. He can take on a run blocker and stand his ground and has displayed strong hand usage when needed to detach using a swipe move to detach.
Overall, Ojabo has an instant impact payer ceiling that is undeniable. He has not come close to his full potential, and whatever team decides to draft Ojabo will be investing in a player one or two years away from becoming a potential elite-level NFL player. Once at the NFL level, he needs to improve his hand usage and ability to detach from his blocker. He currently relies heavily on his physical gifts, but that's why the upside is so intriguing.
PLAYER COMPARISON:
CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS
Near Elite (70-74)
A high-caliber prospect who is expected to become a significant contributor by Year 2. These players have outstanding physical tools and strong football IQ, with only minor flaws in their game. They demonstrate consistency at a high level and project as future Pro Bowl-caliber players if properly developed.
Primary scout:
Brandon Lundberg
Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Grade Scale
Football Scout 365 grades reflect a prospect’s projected long-term NFL value and role. Draft ranges are general value projections, not predictions of an exact selection. Positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical information and athletic testing can influence where a player is ultimately selected.
How Football Scout 365 Grades NFL Draft Prospects
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Elite (75+): A rare, high-impact prospect with elite physical tools, advanced football intelligence and the ability to make an immediate NFL impact. Elite prospects carry franchise-altering potential and typically project as top 5–10 selections in the first round.
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Near Elite (70–74): A high-caliber prospect with outstanding physical tools, strong football intelligence and only minor developmental limitations. Near Elite prospects project as significant early-career contributors with Pro Bowl upside and first-round draft value.
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High-End Starter Potential (65–69): A starting-caliber prospect with strong physical tools, quality technical skills and a defined NFL role. These players may require development before reaching their ceiling but generally carry second- or third-round draft value.
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Mid-Level Starter Potential (60–64): A solid prospect with NFL-level tools and a pathway to becoming a dependable starter if key limitations are addressed. These players generally carry third- to fifth-round draft value.
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Low-Level Starter Potential (55–59): A developmental prospect who could become a low-end starter, high-end backup or valuable specialist in the right role. These players generally carry fifth- to seventh-round draft value.
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Backup Level (50–54): A depth or rotational prospect with enough functional ability to compete for an NFL roster spot but limited long-term starting potential. These players generally project as late Day 3 selections or priority undrafted free agents.
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Not NFL Level (Below 50): A developmental or camp prospect who does not currently demonstrate enough consistency, technical refinement or functional NFL traits to project as a regular contributor. These players generally project as undrafted free agents, practice-squad candidates or camp invitations.
Draft position can vary based on positional value, team needs, scheme fit, medical evaluation and athletic testing.