According to Pro Football Focus, Georgia redshirt sophomore Azeez Ojulari is projected to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 14 pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
“One of the biggest risers in college football this year, Ojulari consistently clowned left tackles throughout the SEC,” wrote PFF’s Michael Renner. “He earned an 87.7 pass-rushing grade in nine games this season. Ojulari is undersized at 240 pounds, but his bend makes us think that it won’t be a massive issue in the NFL.”
Two years ago, Ojulari shined in Georgia’s 28-21 loss to Texas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Marietta, Georgia native redshirted during the 2018 season, and that matchup against the Longhorns was the first chance he got to prove himself at the collegiate level. Ojulari only finished the game with three tackles but showed his athleticism and speed that would carry over to 2019.
According to Dawgs247, Ojulari has already made the decision to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, but head coach Kirby Smart confirmed on Saturday night that he will play in Georgia’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl matchup against No. 8 Cincinnati.
“..The biggest thing we’re worried about is the guys that are going to play, and we’re focused on the ones that are,” Smart said. “Azeez is going to play.”
Ojulari played a bigger part in Georgia’s dominant defense in 2019 as he totaled 36 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one pass deflection and one forced fumble. He played in all 14 games while starting 13 of them. Ojulari had a team-high 34 quarterback pressures, with a season-high of 10 against Tennessee.
Through Georgia’s nine games this season, Ojulari leads the team in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (9.5). He was named a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive player. He has also racked up 27 total tackles, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Ojulari also leads the team in quarterback pressures so far this season with 25.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker is a threat in opponent’s backfields. Ojulari is fast off the edge and can create havoc at any moment. He’s athletic and has the size to be a great NFL player one day if he can find the right system.
Here is the video from Smart’s Saturday night presser: