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Report: UCLA DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa scheduled to visit Saints

By Andrew Schuster

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The New Orleans Saints are without question in need of some sort of weapon/weapons to bolster up their pass rush, an area of struggle in 2014.  The 2015 NFL Draft will be the place to do so, and according to reports, UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa is scheduled for a meeting in the Big Easy sometime next week.

The Saints are expected to go the edge-rusher route with one, or possibly both of their first round picks in this year’s selection process.  Owamagbe Odighizuwa is a man defined by potential with a high ceiling for life at the next level.

There are better options, but snagging Owamagbe Odighizuwa at 31, or maybe even at pick 44 in the second round could wind up a nice move for the Black and Gold.

He’s a fascinating specimen with a freakish body, long arms, big hands, disruptive instincts and a football IQ that could suite him well as a pro player.  While his prime task was sealing the edge and stopping the run for the Bruins, Odighizuwa’s physical characteristics and abilities, especially his blazing speed, could help him mold into a solid pass-rushing outside linebacker in Rob Ryan‘s scheme.

In 2013, Owamagbe Odighizuwa had two surgeries on his hip, forcing him to sit out that year.  He will require thorough medical monitoring, but at full health, the ceiling is high.

His sack numbers at UCLA are nothing to brag about — he has trouble winning around the edge.  However, again, this is a man defined by potential with some serious upside under the right scheme.  Odighizuwa’s future is very bright as a 3-4 OLB — the speed is real.  He finished at the top of his class among defensive lineman in the 40-yard dash (4.62 seconds), vertical jump (39 inches), broad jump (127 inches) and the 20-yard and 60-yard shuttles.

Odighizuwa is a raw talent that possesses the speed, athleticism and intelligence to eventually become a household name under the right system.  The New Orleans Saints could be that system.  He could wind up being a nice little steal this year, so it will be interesting to see how things unfold for Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis come draft day.

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