Levi Onwuzurike: Potential gap controller for the Jaguars defensive line
The Jacksonville Jaguars don’t currently have a defensive line capable of making an impact on the field. Sure, they have a few key players scattered about whose development will be crucial in the next few years but the Jaguars have to acknowledge the interior defensive line as a top priority this offseason.
Levi Onwuzurike is one of the top defensive tackles in this draft class and he just had himself a great week at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Levi Onwuzurike is a strong prospect for the Jaguars
Onwuzurike opted out of the 2020 season, which gave him time to prepare for the NFL Draft. In his three seasons at the University of Washington, Onwuzurike had 95 total tackles for seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He had pretty good exposure during his true-freshman season but it wasn’t until Vita Vea was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that Onwuzurike finally got to emerge.
Levi Onwuzurike possesses great athleticism and explosion for a defensive lineman. He uses his length to his advantage, initiating contact with the offensive lineman and using his strength to push overpower them. This is where he can become a little limited as well. If he can’t use his power to drive the offensive lineman back, his technique becomes limited.
Onwuzurike excels in is shedding blockers and cutting off adjacent rushing lanes and is a huge gap controller for opposing offensive lines.
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How can the Jaguars benefit from drafting Onwuzurike?
The Jaguars could benefit from a gap stuffer like Onwuzurike on their defensive line. It’s crucial that they go out and add a veteran or two in free agency, keep Doug Costin and DaVon Hamilton, and drafting a talent like Onwuzurike. Adding just a few key pieces on the defensive line will go a long way for this team in 2021. They have to start getting after the quarterback, and that move starts here.