Brian Orakpo Scouting Report

Defensive end Brian Orakpo is a superb pass rusher. His numbers at Texas have been good so far, but are not that spectacular. He tallied four tackles-for-loss and a half a sack as a freshman and earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. The following year he managed 4.5 sacks and six tackles-for-loss. As an upperclassman last season Orakpo improved those numbers and ended up with 5.5 sacks and nine tackles-for-loss, although his playing time was limited due to a knee injury. His numbers for 2008 through just a couple games are already impressive.

But even without great numbers in 2008, Orakpo is an NFL ready defensive end. He is 6-4 and 258 pounds and a great athlete who can power or finesse his way into the backfield. He bench presses 515 pounds and squats 600. Those are some pretty impressive numbers, especially for a player who arrived in Austin undersized.

If his knee stays healthy, Orakpo has the talent to be a first day selection in April. A strong showing in 2008 and at the Combine could easily move him into the first round. His versatility to play on the end or at linebacker is also a big plus.

10/16 Update: No defensive lineman is having a year better than Orakpo. After just six games, the defensive end has tallied 12 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks and 16 quarterback hurries. Orakpo went up against Oklahoma offensive tackle Phil Loadholt in the Red River Rivalry and absolutely dominated the big lineman. That alone nearly boosted Orakpo into the first round.

12/17 Update: Orakpo continued his dominance during his senior season and continued to rise up the draft boards. The defensive end finished the regular season with 10.5 sacks and 18 tackles-for-loss. For his efforts he garnered a plethora of postseason accolades. Being named to the AP first-team All-American squad and being the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year are both very nice, but winning the Bronco Nagurski Trophy is even better. Orakpo is well on his way to a successful career in the NFL.

3/24 Update: Orakpo dominated the NFL Combine as much as one person can. The consensus seems to be that Orakpo will go fifth overall to the Browns. Some members of the Cleveland organization were in Austin recently for private workouts and it is hard to believe that they did not like what they saw. Texas' Pro Day is coming up soon and Orakpo does need to show that he can play in the 3-4 defense.

4/16 Update: Orakpo's numbers have been fine, but some teams are starting to question some of his game tape. His consistency is the biggest concern and many think he will have trouble going up against strong offensive linemen play after play. Orakpo, who will be in New York for the draft, might have to wait a little longer than the five picks many expected just a month ago.