The 2023 NFL Draft class is deep and talented on both sides of the ball, including the offensive line, where Boise State OT John Ojukwu is a name to keep in mind as we hit the later rounds and into Day 3.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Ojukwu’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
John Ojukwu NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Boise State
- Year: Sixth-Year Senior
A three-star recruit, offensive tackle Ojukwu was rated the No. 3 prospect in the state of Idaho. A three-year starter twice named first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State as a senior, Ojukwu committed to Boise State, where he did not see action and received a redshirt.
But starting in 2018, Ojukwu did not come off the field. Appearing in 12 games, Ojukwu made seven starts, including the final seven games of the season. He did not miss a start again.
As a redshirt sophomore, he started in all 11 games in which he appeared and provided protection for a Bronco offense ranked 14th in the country in scoring (36.8 ppg). Ojukwu earned second-team All-Mountain West honors as a redshirt junior and started in all seven games in the Covid-shortened 2020 season.
Ojukwu earned first-team All-Mountain West recognition in both 2021 and 2022, starting in 26 games. In fact, Ojukwu was the only Bronco to start in all 14 games on offense during his final season.
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In total, Ojukwu played on nearly 1,900 pass-blocking snaps and allowed only 11 sacks, including just four in his final three years as a full-time starter, all coming during the 2021 season. Additionally, Ojukwu was one of the least penalized players in the nation, committing only seven and allowing only eight QB hits in his final three years.
Not only was Ojukwu a five-time Academic All-Mountain West honoree, but he was an NFLPA Collegiate Bowl invitee and played in the East-West Shrine game. At the NFL Combine, the former Bronco measured in at 6’6″ while weighing 309 pounds with 34″ arms and 10 3/4″ hands.
In testing, Ojukwu ran a 5.24-second 40-yard dash with a 1.81 10-yard split and jumped 28.5″ in the vertical, 8’8″ in the broad, put up 26 reps on the bench, and ran the three-cone in 7.52 seconds.
However, testing numbers and previous production stats are only part of his profile. In order to get a better understanding of Ojukwu’s draft capital, we need to turn to his scouting report to see where his strengths and areas for improvement lie.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for John Ojukwu
Strengths: Tall, hard-working college left tackle who projects to the strong side on Sundays. Patient in pass protection, keeps his feet moving, and makes great use of angles. Displays outstanding awareness, keeps his head on a swivel, and blocks with a nasty attitude. Fights with his hands throughout the action, turns defenders off the line, and works to finish run blocks. Large enough and tough enough to block down on opponents.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t sink his butt at the line of scrimmage and gets tall as the play proceeds. Displays little flexibility. Struggles blocking in motion and isn’t effective far from the line of scrimmage. Must improve his playing balance.
Overall: Ojukwu was a durable lineman for Boise State, starting 51 games over the past five years. He possesses size and growth potential but really needs to improve his fundamentals to have any chance of making an NFL roster.
John Ojukwu Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 309
- Arm Length: 34″
- Hand Size: 10 3/4″
- Bench Press: 26
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.24
- Vertical Jump: 28.5″
- Broad Jump: 8’8″
- Three-Cone Drill: 7.52
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.52
Boise State OT John Ojukwu Current Draft Projection
The 2023 NFL Draft has a great prospect class if you need to improve the offensive line, specifically at guard and tackle. While the likes of Peter Skoronski and Paris Johnson Jr. dominate the headlines, there is undoubtedly plenty of value in the middle rounds.
With most of the focus on the higher-ranked prospects, Ojukwu could wait a while before his name is called. Currently, he is the 18th-ranked tackle on Tony Pauline’s Big Board and the No. 302-ranked player with a grade of 3.25, placing his draft projection around the UDFA range.
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Any time you can make 51 career starts, you’re doing something right. Although Ojukwu doesn’t project to be an early draft pick, there are no questions about his character or coachability. Ojukwu also brings excellent length to the position.
However, he is athletically limited, older (24 years old), and there are questions about how high Ojukwu’s ceiling truly is given the sheer volume of reps he received in college. It’s easier to make technical excuses for someone raw rather than someone who has made 51 starts.
Ojukwu more than likely projects as a backup/swing tackle. While starting expectations should be tempered, if he can gain Day 3 draft capital, Ojukwu would at least have the chance to compete for a spot on the roster. Otherwise, he will have to make his name as a UDFA.