University of Minnesota EDGE rusher Esezi Otomewo has a busy road to the NFL Draft over the next few weeks. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound pass rusher has “Top 30” visits scheduled with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and Las Vegas Raiders, according to a league source who was not authorized to speak publicly on the meetings. Otomewo will also take part in the Minnesota Vikings’ local prospect day.
Esezi Otomewo’s busy draft journey
Otomewo suffered a low-grade knee sprain during Minnesota’s 18-6 win over West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in late December. Before suffering the injury, Otomewo was a force for the Gophers in the bowl game, posting 3 tackles and 2 sacks in the win.
Otomewo announced that he’d forgo his final season of eligibility in January, but his knee sprain forced him to delay his preparation for the NFL Combine and his pro day. He was invited to the Senior Bowl in February but could not participate in drills.
Now fully healthy, Otomewo plans to work out for teams on April 4. He has visits with the Bears, Raiders, and Colts set up around that workout. He will also return to Minnesota for the Vikings’ local prospect day.
Otomewo’s draft outlook
Otomewo is Pro Football Network Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline’s 176th overall prospect. Pauline has given Otomewo a fifth-round grade heading into the selection process.
During his college career, Otomewo racked up 81 tackles (13.5 for loss), 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. At Otomewo’s size and build, he should offer the ability to move around the line in the NFL.
Teams looking for a rotational pass rusher at 3- or 5-technique could consider him a fit. Defensive coordinators with 4-3 attacks could see him as a strongside defensive end.
The Colts, who will run a hybrid defense under new coordinator Gus Bradley, could be a logical fit for Otomewo’s skill set. He could fit behind DeForest Buckner as his immediate backup. The Bears and Raiders would likely use Otomewo as a rotational pass rusher inside.