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NFL Draft 2007 – Round 1 #10 – Houston Texans – DT Amobi Okoye

The Houston Texas have selected Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye with the 10th pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He was born June 10, 1987, making him only 19 years old. He is, according to ESPN’s Chris Berman, “by far” the youngest player ever drafted.

What the Experts Say:

Scout.com Profile:

Amobi Okoye Photo Player Evaluation: A developing player with great upside, Okoye’s game has taken off the past two years. Looked sensational in the Senior Bowl and saw his draft grade soar. Offers potential as a two-gap end or possibly as a three-technique lineman. May need time to adjust to the level of competition in the NFL, yet he is a bright, hard-working individual who should have a long and productive football career.

STRENGTHS: Explosion, Intensity/Effort, Techniques and Moves

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Disengaging Skills, Size

Biography: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after posting 55/12.5/8. Junior totals included 23 tackles. Entered college at age 16 and will be just 19 years old when he is drafted.

Pos: Explosive defender with terrific instincts. Quick off the snap, plays with good pad level and gets a lot of force going up the field. Makes plays laterally, effectively uses hand technique to protect himself and rarely is off his feet. Chases hard to get involved in the action and makes plays everywhere on the field.

Neg: Lacks top playing strength, is slow getting off the blocks and can be handled at the point.

UPDATE Scouts.inc:

The Texans had a more pressing need at corner and both of the top two were still on the board at the No. 10 pick. Either Darrelle Revis or Leon Hall would be great values at this pick and fill a more pressing need. That has to be noted but Okoye is still an excellent pick and the reason is great defenses are built from the inside out.

Okoye has excellent initial quickness, good strength and the frame to comfortably add weight. He can get after the passer and disrupt running plays in the backfield. In addition, defensive tackle is also a need and Okoye should compete for a starting role.

 
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