The Buffalo Bulls have a legitimate trio of prospects who could be drafted to the NFL in just over two months’ time. While all the attention falls on record-setting running back Jaret Patterson, the man who paved the way for him also deserves some consideration. What does the 2021 NFL Draft have in store for Buffalo offensive tackle Kayode Awosika?
Kayode Awosika NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Buffalo
- Current Year: Senior
- Height: 6’3 1/8″
- Weight: 307 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Kayode Awosika Scouting Report
Positives: Four-year starter at both left and right tackle who projects to guard in the NFL. Powerful, blocks with a nasty attitude, and attacks opponents. Keeps his feet moving, works his hands, and shows patience in pass protection. Strong, gets movement run blocking, and knocks defenders back off the line.
Displays tremendous strength in his game and consistently finishes blocks. Squares into defenders and easily turns them from the action or anchors at the point in pass protection. Keeps his head on a swivel and shows outstanding awareness. Quickly gets out to the second level and always looks for someone to hit.
Featured | NFL Draft Prospects 2021: Pauline’s updated big board, player rankings
Negatives: Does not sink his butt at the line of scrimmage or block with proper knee bend. Lacks footwork off the edge and bends at the waist.
Analysis: Awosika was a consistent blocker for Buffalo and constantly manhandled opponents. He’s a devastating run blocker who has starting potential at guard in the NFL, but he must brush up his techniques and improve his fundamentals.
Kayode Awosika Player Profile
Kayode Awosika began his football journey far from the bright lights of the 2021 NFL Draft in Plymouth, Minnesota. He played high school football and basketball for Maple Grove High School. As a senior in 2015, he helped guide the team to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the state semifinals. For his role in the success, he earned a spot on the USA Today All-Minnesota First Team.
Unfortunately for Awosika, Minnesota isn’t a hotbed for high school recruiting. Although he was the 19th ranked player in the state, the rest of his rankings were not so kind. A two-star recruit, he was ranked as the 2,154th player in the nation and just the 176th ranked offensive tackle.
Nonetheless, he attracted some early attention. His athleticism impressed scouts, with some considering a transition to the other side of the trenches to utilize his skill set.
As a result, he held multiple offers from FCS programs while attracting FBS offers from Hawaii, Wyoming, and Iowa State. Determined to focus on his senior season and not rush into a decision, he withheld his commitment until late in the process. Eventually, he would commit to the Buffalo Bulls.
Kayode Awosika’s college football career
Although he heads to the 2021 NFL Draft at 315 pounds, Kayode Awosika arrived in Buffalo under 300 pounds. He spent his first year on the sidelines, before suiting up for the first time in 2017. The redshirt freshman made his debut against Minnesota and appeared in five games as a backup offensive tackle for Buffalo.
Over the next three years, he would become an integral part of the offensive line. In 2018, he started 14 games at right tackle, bookending a line that allowed a program low 15 sacks for the season. The rushing offense thrived behind a sturdy line, setting school records with 2,648 yards and 36 touchdowns. Indeed, it was just the beginning of something great for the program.
The following year, as a junior, he started every game at right tackle. As the offensive line once again paved the way for a record-setting ground game, they earned recognition with a Joe Moore Award honorable mention. Additionally, they allowed just 8 sacks, a new program record. Awosika’s contributions were rewarded with a place on the All-MAC Second Team.
In his final season before heading to the 2021 NFL Draft, Buffalo offensive tackle Kayode Awosika displayed versatility and leadership. Having spent the previous two seasons at right tackle, he started seven games in the shortened season at left tackle.
As he had in 2019, he was a team captain for the second straight season. The offensive line allowed just one sack, and Awosika paved the way for a Bulls’ ground game that ranked second in the nation. The unit earned recognition as Joe Moore Award semifinalists while Awosika ended his collegiate career with All-MAC First Team and FWAA Second Team All-American honors.
Kayode Awosika best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Although his versatility at offensive tackle will be appealing, it is highly probable that teams will view Buffalo offensive tackle Kayode Awosika as a guard in the 2021 NFL Draft class. A move inside will help mask some of the lower body technical issues that Tony Pauline references in his scouting report.
Due to his experience and success in the run game, teams with a heavy run influence project to be his optimum landing spot. As a result, the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers are two teams that immediately stand out as fits. However, with multiple needs across the offensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs are two other intriguing partnerships.
Buffalo offensive tackle Kayode Awosika currently projects to be a Day 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.