Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu (45) celebrates a tackle for a loss in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets product Jeremiah Attaochu has quickly risen on draft boards, and I definitely view him as one of my favorite prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has all the tools to be a great edge rusher at the next level, and he shows some upside as a run defender despite a need to refine his skills against the run. Attaochu is athletic enough to drop off into coverage, and he’s a solid tackler who has an excellent motor, uses his hands well, and wins with length and speed. His pass rush moves need work and are sometimes over-used, but they are present.
Sadly, we won’t get to see one of the most athletic defensive players in the class go at it at the biggest draft showcase event, as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Ken Sugiura reports that Attaochu will miss the Combine with a partially torn hamstring. The news was given to Sugiura by Attaochu’s agent, and we’ll have to wait to hear about a strong workout from the 21-year-old when he performs at Georgia Tech’s pro day.
Attaochu is still rehabbing from the hamstring injury that he suffered at the Senior Bowl, and he’s also dealing with a wrist issue as well. Hopefully he can get healthy soon and have a strong pro day, and I have him going in the first round to the New Orleans Saints.