Round 5
Victor Ochi – LB – Stony Brook
Strengths: Very strong and uses his hands and long arms well to neutralize blocks. Quick off the ball and closes on the ball very quickly. Quality motor and conditioning so that his opponent is always tired before he is. Keeps his body moving and plays relentless. Very active hands and a great eye for the ball.
Absolutely lives in the opposing backfield and is always a threat to make a play. Surprisingly stout at the point of attack and can set the edge. Was one of the stars of the Shrine Bowl practices.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t have the ideal height, and there is some concern that NFL linemen could swallow him up. Doesn’t anticipate the snap very well. Can be caught off balance by misdirection. Needs to develop his pass rushing moves to find a way to win to the inside. Didn’t face very much NFL talent during his career and stats may be inflated as a result.
The Fit: Ochi projects best as a blitzing option in sub-packages, but he’s a good enough football player that he may be able to find a more substantial role with a team. He should be an absolute terror in Special Teams at the very least.
Given how the Chiefs have been able to mix and match their defensive personnel to fit scheme, it isn’t a stretch to assume that Bob Sutton can find ways to get a talented guy like Ochi in the mix to make plays in the backfield. Regardless of how much time Justin Houston does or doesn’t miss, adding an extra pass rusher is still a good idea. Ochi had 24 sacks and 33 TFL over the past two seasons…get him on the field.
Next: How About Some OL Depth?