Name: Charles Omenihu
SCHOOL: Texas
CONFERENCE: Big 12
POSITION: Interior Defensive Lineman
CLASS: Senior
RECRUITMENT RATING: N/A
HT: 6’6
WT: 275 lbs
Ball Get Off: No matter where he lines up, explodes off the ball. First step often overwhelms his opponents, giving them little to no time to recover. Uses burst to penetrate gaps as well. Get off is that much more lethal when he is able to time up the snap count.
Hand Usage: Possesses some of the best hands in the class. Stack and shed technique against the run is exceptional. Consistently gets his hand on his adversaries chest plate to gain control. This technique translates to snatches and “push pull” moves when pass rushing as well. Also versed with clubs, swipes, swims, etc. However, hands will get stagnant at times. Especially when he loses the initial leverage battle.
Pad Level and Flexibility: Uses optimal pad level against the run. Consistently gets into squat position and creates leverage with his length. Yet, pad level tends to swell when pass rushing. Giving his opponents more surface area to latch. Possesses functional level of flexibility for the interior but looks stiff when rushing the edge. Doesn’t seem to have enough bend to consistently win the corner. Lateral range is solid but not elite.
Motor: Motor is usually hot. Chases down plays back side and gives non stop effort in 1v1 situations. Will forfeit pass rush reps when getting double teamed every now and than.
Pass Rush Ability: Potent combination of explosive get off, length, and nuanced hand technique make him an effective pass rusher. Almost always has a plan of attack and makes it a priority to keep his chest clean. Shows flashes of counter moves but would like to him deploy them more. Has a hard time gauging his initial plan’s success, so it’s more when than how when it comes to counters.
Awareness: Understands basic blocking schemes but will get fooled by exotic plays. For as much as he played at 5 technique. Would like to see him set the edge more because it seemed like he wasn’t asked to at all.
Best Trait: Hand Usage
Worst Trait: Pad Level
Best Film: Iowa State (2018)
Worst Film: Georgia (2018)
Pro Comparison: David Irving
Charles Omenhiu is a versatile chest piece, that can play all over the defensive line. However, his lack of flexibility suggest that he should primarily play inside. He could play base end in even front on early downs, but should play 3 technique on obvious passing downs. In this role he could use his penetrating skills to get after the Quarterback. Because he is so versatile, it would be ideal to have a creative defensive coordinator to maximize his skill set.
Work Cited
- Ledyard, Jon. “2019 NFL Draft Player Profile: Charles Omenihu.” The Draft Network, 6 Jan. 2019, thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/05/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-charles-omenihu/.