Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 mock draft, Vol. 5
By Peter Smith
Round 2: Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas – 6-5.375, 280 pounds
- 32 solo tackles (5.4 percent), 18 tackles for loss (18.2 percent), 9.5 sacks (29.6 percent) in 2018.
Age: 21 (Born Aug. 20, 1997)
40-Yard Dash: 4.92s
Broad Jump: 115″
Vertical Jump: 36.5″
3-cone: 7.48s
Shuttle: 4.36s
Bench: DNP
One of the biggest needs on the team is at the 3-tech defensive tackle and at the scouting combine, John Dorsey said that both he and Wilks wanted more length on the defensive line. There aren’t many in this class with the length of Omenihu.
At Texas, Omenihu played in an odd front and was often playing at a 5-tech. His production was great in that role, which better correlates to the interior. Additionally, his athletic testing is better suited to play on the interior. Omenihu is an explosive player, but he doesn’t bring edge agility. It’s pretty mediocre on the edge, but it’s above average on the inside. Agile enough to slide inside or run a stunt, but not someone who’s turning the corner.
He also came in with a weight that can play inside and with even 5-10 pounds, it’s pretty easy to put him inside full time. His frame is enormous, so it’s not like he’d need to add bad weight to get to the desired size.
There could be situations where the Browns could put him at a true base end if they have determined they want to not just that edge, but cave it in, taking away that part of the field. It won’t change how he attacks forward or his tactics to rush the passer. He’s an explosive pass rusher that attacks forward and can be agile working side to side, but he can’t really open his hips up to bend.
Omenihu is at his best when he can use his power and extend his 36-inch arms to control the opponent and keep him out of his body. On one hand, a move inside means that Omenihu would see more reps against guys with typically shorter arms where this could be a factor, but the move to the NFL puts a premium on Omenihu being strong enough where opposing linemen can’t just knock his arms down to get control and take him out of the play.
Omenihu can be a bull in a china shop when he gets behind his pads and fires into a gap with how much he’s able to disrupt the interior, creating lanes for teammates to make or finish plays. He really does his best work, when he’s able to shoot a gap inside, forcing one or multiple blockers to account for him.
On the edge, he gets in the backfield on the outside, but unless he’s got an almost straight line to the quarterback, it’s too easy to slingshot him past the quarterback. He also tends to fall into the trap of going the way offensive linemen want him to go and doesn’t always fight pressure with pressure.
As a run defender, he can be inconsistent when it comes to being stout at the point of attack, but it’s largely a matter of pad level as opposed to effort. What is nice about Omenihu is he’s got a ton of range to chase plays down the line of scrimmage to the sideline.
Playing next to Larry Ogunjobi, the Browns could have a really athletic pair of defensive tackles that can both get after the quarterback. Run defense may be a matter of consistency for Omenihu, but it would give the Browns dynamic players up and down the defensive line.
Best Option Not Taken: Juan Thornhill, S Virginia