The Skinny

Prior to the 2018 season and at various times during the season Oruwariye was projected as a first-round pick by a number of mock drafts.

That talk seems to have cooled down, though not necessarily due to Oruwariye’s play.

A three-star prospect out of high school, Oruwariye flourished at Penn State under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Brent Pry and defensive backs coach Terry Smith.

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds the Tampa native has a fantastic frame for today’s NFL. He knows how to use his size to his advantage and is relatively agile despite his height. Additionally, his 4.47 40-yard dash time at the combine showed scouts that he can turn and run with the best of the them.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Oruwariye, however, is his ball skills. He’s a hawk when the ball gets in the air and high points the ball well. His interception to seal the 2018 season opener against Appalachian State put all his ability on full display.

What You’re Getting

I fully believe Oruwariye has the capability to become an above average starter in the NFL.

I’m not sure I think he has peak Richard Sherman like ability, but I think any team that drafts him should be happy with their investment.

For my money, I think he should be the first Penn State player off the board and would probably put a mid-to-high round two grade on him.

He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection as a junior despite not starting most of the season and garnered first-team honors as a senior.

You’ll also grow to appreciate his contributions against the run. Oruwariye made 51 tackles from his corner spot in 2018 and does a great job of fighting through blocks and finishing when he gets to the ball carrier.

There’s a non-zero chance he ends up making the move to safety at some points in his career similar to Malcolm Jenkins, but I imagine he’ll start out at corner.

If Oruwariye can show that he’s equally adept in off coverage, he can become one of the best corners in the NFL. For now, however, he’s best suited for a defense that likes to play press man and get after to quarterback.

Oh, and for the uninitiated: Oh-roo-war-ee-yay

Amani Oruwariye NFL Draft Profile