You knew Mickey Loomis could never help himself with sitting idle for two full rounds of drafting. So he shipped the Saints 5th round pick this year and 5th round pick next year. My hope is that would be for a guard. Instead, it was for a Nigerian football player who has known the game for 4 years in Canada. And they traded UP for that, like teams were beating down the door to take him. To bypass guard, take a guy at a position they’ve already drafted, this raw, giving up a pick next year to get him… it’s just impossible to defend. That said, Onyemata got an invite to the East-West Shrine game and apparently played extremely well. He obviously made an impression on Saints coaches and scouts there because he didn’t receive a combine invite. Here’s his write up on NFL.com:
STRENGTHS
Big, powerful frame. Has some violence and jolt in his punch. Big hands with good arm length. Has potential to be snap-winner at point of attack with NFL coaching. Features explosion and thrust from hips to channel his power. Good movement skills with experience inside and outside. Has ability to shuck and tackle against run and instincts should improve over time. Shows ability to hold ground against power when pad level is right. Frame should accept more mass.
WEAKNESSES
Tremendously raw and inexperienced. Has played the game for just four years and may not be ready to contribute on a regular basis for at least a couple of years. Pass rushes too often resort to power on power. Doesn’t seem to have any plan as a rusher at this time.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE
Intriguing, ascending prospect who garnered the attention of several NFL teams at his pro day in Winnipeg, Canada, and Onyemata did not disappoint. His combination of pure power and explosion could have teams considering him as early as the second day, but he still needs more coaching and experience before he ever plays at that level. Onyemata has the potential to become an eventual NFL starter on the interior.
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