Player Profile:

Dayo Odeyingbo is a senior out of the University of Vanderbilt. Odeyingbo played all over the defensive line in his 4 years at Vanderbilt. Odeyingbo totaled 5.5 sacks in 2020, before he elected to opt out to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Odeyingbo was poised to play in the Senior Bowl down in Mobile, but was struck with an achilles injury just a few days before weigh-ins. Odeyingbo has a great frame measuring in at 6’6″ and 276 pounds

Pros:

The first thing I noticed when watching Odeyingbo is his versatility. Odeyingbo wasn’t surrounded by many talented players at Vanderbilt, but this definitely allowed for Odeyingbo to be under the spotlight. Odeyingbo played 5T, 3T, and 1T throughout his time at Vanderbilt. However, he is most likely going to play 5T for an NFL team. Odeyingbo displays strength and good use of his hands. At times, he completely dominates his opposing offensive lineman, especially in 1 on 1’s. When rushing the passer, it is very hard for an offensive lineman to get their hands on Odeyingbo, as he is very slippery, and shows elite speed for a player of his size. Odeyingbo shines against the run. He is able to burst through linemen on the edge and take excellent pursuit angles to stop and take down the running back. Odeyingbo shoots off from his stance and shows an excellent burst. He often utilizes a hesitation step to confuse big and heavy offensive lineman. Odeyingbo combines his gifted athletic build along with his burst, play strength, and chase-down speed to round out his strengths as a defensive lineman.

Cons:

Odeyingbo was misused a lot during his time at Vanderbilt which often makes him seem like a worse player than what he actually is. Odeyingbo does not belong on the inside, where he is forced to play against big hulking guards and face double teams. Against LSU in 2020, whenever Odeyingbo was lined up at the 3T, he struggled to create any penetration and stop the run. This won’t do in the NFL, and it is clear when watching him, that Odeyingbo thrives the most against offensive tackles, where he can utilize his big frame, along with his speed to get by and create a presence in the backfield. Odeyingbo needs some very good coaching in the NFL. He won many battles from the edge through “unteachable” traits. While his counter moves are solid, Odeyingbo should look to add to his pass-rushing arsenal. When Odeyingbo doesn’t shoot the B gap and is forced to bend on the outside, he often struggles as he doesn’t have much ankle flexion. Considering Odeyingbo is 6’6″ and 276 pounds, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as long as he is utilized properly in the NFL. Sadly, Odeyingbo suffered a torn Achilles injury just before the Senior Bowl, causing him to miss time to showcase his skills to scouts and executives. This will hurt Odeyingbo’s draft stock, which is discussed below.

Overview

Odeyingbo is a gifted player, who has a great frame and athletic build. Odeyingbo shows flashes of being an elite pass rusher, who can come in on early downs and stop the run as well. At his best, he would be an every down 5T, who can stop the run and rush the passer. However, Odeyingbo will need very good coaching in the NFL for this to happen. His draft stock took a major hit after he tore his achilles. However, injuries haven’t been a concern for him as he remained relatively healthy through his time in I originally had him projected as a mid day 2 selection, but with this injury I would be surprised if teams would take him in day 2 at all. Odeyingbo would likely be taken somewhere in day 3, to a team like the Seahawks, Patriots or Packers. I still think that many of the flaws in his game can be fixed with good coaching. Odeyingbo is a sleeper prospect, and one who shows a ton of upside in his 4 year career at Vanderbilt.

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