2021 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects whose success is tied to team fit

3. Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

There’s something in Penn State’s water. Their Pro Day featured a jaw-dropping display of athleticism. Micah Parsons was the star coming into the day. Jayson Oweh came away as the man who made himself some money. The 6-5, 257-pound edge rusher turned heads with a sub-4.4 second 40, proving that his elite first step was as advertised.

Despite not having a single sack in 2020, Oweh could go as high as the top 20 based on his projection for his physical tools. In 2019, Oweh managed five sacks from 190 rushes off the edge. That was also when the Nittany Lions played a full season, that’s production people.

One of his best traits comes as a run defender. He shows power off the line and keeps his eyes on the ball. Backs won’t escape his grasp once he gets his hands on them. Oweh will make a team happy, however, he’s isn’t a base end in a traditional 4-3 defense.

The team taking Oweh must line him up outside so he can do his damage from a standing position in a 3-4 defense. Asking him to play with his hand in the dirt will wear him down early. His elite athletic traits offer potential in terms of coverage as well. Oweh’s lean build, elite athletic traits are ideally similar to Aldon Smith and perfectly suited for playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.