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

2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

There’s a reason Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s name appears as one of the top 20 prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Notre Dame prospect looked amazing at his Pro Day. He weighed in at 221 pounds (10 pounds heavier than his listed weight) while measuring 6-1. He dominated his time with the Fighting Irish as the leader in the middle of that linebacker group. Owusu-Koramoah should hear his name called in the first round but he’s not a fit for all defenses.

Owusu-Koramoah doesn’t offer scheme flexibility despite being one of the better all-around linebackers in the draft. There have been comparisons to Isaiah Simmons and Darius Leonard in terms of the versatility he provides as a linebacker.

Teams looking to stick Owusu-Koramoah at inside linebacker will limit what he does best, however. He’s too small to take on guards as a run-defender. Nor should teams ask him to play in a stacked role either.

The WILL position in a 4-3 base defense is where he’ll make his money. It’ll allow Owusu-Koramoah to maximize his athleticism. He adds value rushing off the edge and dropping into coverage. While he’s done a great job causing havoc from the inside, he won’t be that guy in the NFL.