WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

WorldWide Rams

Who is the 6-foot-6- 335 pound Chukwuma Okorafor?

​​After watching hours of video on Okorafor, it’s hard to believe that he’s a late bloomer to the game. Watched extensive video of him against Michigan St, and Wisconsin. Against Wisconsin, Okorafor matched up against current Pittsburg Steeler’s linebacker TJ Watts, a battle that he struggled against. Growing up in Nigeria, he played soccer as a kid and was challenged with a late growth spurt. His family relocated to the United States where he picked up playing football. Started three-years at playing both tackle positions. He is the most intriguing prospect in a very deep offensive tackle class. Is a massive blocker with unbelievable athleticism for his size. Winner of the Iron Bronco Award, which goes to the player who recorded the most plays of the season. Invited and accepted the 2018 East-West Shrine Game but withdrew because of a thigh injury.

Chukwuma Okorafor Highlights

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Strengths
A massive body that swallows the defender, long arms, and strong hands. Great lateral agility for his size, and surprisingly have lightning quick feet. Great blocker on the point of attack which gets under pad level. Very effective in short yardage or goal line run blocking. Great feet with pass blocking. Ability to change direction and reach the edge against speed rushers.   

Weakness
Needs to improve his hand usage and keep his hands up. Tend to drop hands and allow the defender above his hands and beat him to play. Tends to keep his weight forwarded allowing himself to be out of position against speed rushers. Need to work on zone blocking, whiffs at blocks, even when getting to the second level. Point attack of blocking is like a statue relying on his weight to bully the defender. Tends to get lost or not certain what to do with plays opposite of his side. The recent analyst has reported him as being a little soft, which may affect his draft status from the first round and slide down to a mid-round selection.

How does he fit for the Rams
The Rams eventually at some point will need to replace the 36-year-old veteran Andrew Whitworth, at left tackle. Okorafor has many flaws, but the Rams offensive lines coach Aaron Kromer can fix those flaws. Kromer's effect of the offensive lineman this past season showed tremendous improvement, where the line played together as a unit every game. Okorafor massive body and quick feet are typical for protecting the quarterback blind side. His tremendous power at the point attack will contribute to him opening up holes for Todd Gurley, the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl and 2018 NFL Offensive Player of the Year running back.

Draft Prediction
2nd - 3rd Round

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NFL Comparison
Donovan Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

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