Joseph Ossai 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Joseph Ossai

Position: Edge-Rusher

College: Texas

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 256 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 27 overall
Position Rank: EDGE3

Strengths: A plus-level athlete with impressive work ethic, motor and drive, Ossai dominated the Big 12 in 2020. Ossai has the needed twitch in his first step to stun offensive tackles and uses his length well to create space and separation while bending the edge. He’s still learning the position, too, which points to considerable upside once he’s in a familiar role and has time to add reps with his hand in the dirt. Unlike many of the 2021 pass-rushers, Ossai has the production to match the traits. Teams may be scared off by his lack of experience, but the arrow is pointing up on his stock thanks to fantastic athleticism, a great pro day workout, and a reputation as a hard worker.

Weaknesses: Ossai has just one year of experience as a full-time pass-rusher after moving to the JACK position after playing linebacker before the 2020 season. He’s raw in terms of hand technique and can be delayed in unlatching from blockers. He’ll have to learn better hand play and speed up his process in setting up secondary/counter moves.

What I Love: Ossai is a grinder with a non-stop motor. So many of his plays in 2020 came in big moments, at the end of games, or in pressure situations where he simply out-worked the offensive tackle. You can hold it against him that he’s an effort player (some scouts do), but I see it as a positive.

NFL Comparison: Brian Orakpo

Grade: 86/100

Position Specific Traits:

(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: +++

Pass Rush Power: ++

Pass Rush Speed: ++

Run Support: +

Speed/Burst: +++

Strength: ++