Adetomiwa Adebawore scouting report: Northwestern’s defensive lineman is probably the most distinctive prospect within the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is sort of right here, and by now I’m certain you’ve heard all concerning the high gamers at nearly each place group. But what about one of the crucial distinctive prospects within the class, somebody who has rocketed up draft boards after a dominant Senior Bowl and an unimaginable exercise on the NFL Combine? I’m speaking about Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore.

Adebawore, a former all-state participant out of Missouri, made a direct impression at Northwestern with 4 begins as a real freshman. He went on to start out all 9 video games in 2020 and adopted up that season with an honorable point out All-Big Ten award in 2021. Adebawore set profession highs in each sacks (5.0) and tackles for loss (9.0) in 2022 and as soon as once more earned an All-Conference award, this time taking a spot on the third staff.

Adebawore was invited to the Senior Bowl and was simply one of the crucial spectacular gamers in attendance. He primarily performed on the within in Mobile and was virtually unstoppable in one-on-one drills towards each inside offensive linemen and tackles.

Why is Adetomiwa Adebawore such a singular participant?

Right away, you’ll discover that Adebawore is a little bit of an odd prospect. At only a bit below 6’2, 285, he doesn’t match neatly into a task as both a defensive sort out or an edge rusher. And but, it’s his means to play everywhere in the defensive position that makes him such a particular participant. Adebawore is without doubt one of the most versatile defensive linemen on this class, lining up in every single place from 7T to 1T nostril sort out for the Wildcats. While he was undoubtedly extra profitable at some spots than others, he managed to search out manufacturing up and down the road.

Adebawore’s athleticism is the very first thing that stands out, as he’s one of the crucial explosive gamers within the class. His first step is deadly, and he’s capable of convert pace to energy exceptionally nicely because of his pure leverage benefit. While Adebawore is on the shorter facet (6’1 5/8), he’s obtained above-average size with almost 34” arms—and that neutralizes a variety of the weaknesses that usually include lowered peak. His lateral mobility on the inside is superb, although he’s not as flexible as a typical edge rusher.

Despite his measurement drawback on the inside, Adebawore is a succesful run defender because of his red-hot motor, the aforementioned pure leverage benefit, and his means to beat opponents off the ball. He’s a really harmful penetration participant who can wreak havoc within the backfield, and made a residing off of slipping blocks to create disruption. As a 5T base finish, Adebawore is an effective edge setter and comprise participant who holds up very nicely towards tackles and is able to dominating blocks from tight ends.

What are the weaknesses in Adetomiwa Adebawore’s recreation?

Adebawore sadly suffers from an issue that often plagues versatile defensive linemen: he didn’t get a variety of reps at anyone place. That has undoubtedly slowed his technical development, as Adebawore is uncooked by way of his hand utilization and cross rush plan. His greatest situation proper now’s getting caught up in blocks from longer, larger offensive linemen. Once he’s of their grasp, Adebawore struggles to disengage regardless of persistently excessive effort.

Adebawore must develop higher instincts and recognition as a run defender, as he often shoots into the backfield solely to lose monitor of the ballcarrier. He’s additionally struggled to complete performs as each a cross rusher and run defender, which led to inconsistent manufacturing all through his profession. At his present weight, Adebawore must go to a staff who’s prepared to deploy him as an inside/outdoors participant. The various is for Adebawore to realize 10-15 kilos and transfer to a full-time inside function, however that’s more likely to take a while and can be a big adjustment.

Adetomiwa Adebawore profession highlights

Adetomiwa Adebawore outcomes on the 2023 NFL Combine

Adetomiwa Adebawore examined out with an elite 9.72 Relative Athletic Score on the NFL Combine. He set a brand new file for defensive tackles with an unimaginable 4.49-second 40-yard sprint, and almost broke the 10-yard break up file at 1.55s. His vertical and broad soar had been each within the 99.98th percentile, showcasing his excellent explosiveness. To high all of it off, he additionally had higher than 98th percentile agility testing in each the brief shuttle and the 3-cone.

To put these numbers in perspective, take a look at Adebawore’s testing subsequent to 2022 first total choose Travon Walker. While Walker was taller at 6’5, he was additionally ten kilos lighter. Adebawore bested him within the 40, vertical soar, broad soar, and brief shuttle. He is a really uncommon athlete whether or not you play him at EDGE or DT.

What others are saying about Adetomiwa Adebawore

Here’s how NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Adetomiwa Adebawore in his official scouting report:

Adebawore looks as if a positional tweener, checking in slightly brief for the sting and slightly mild for the inside…He’s a strong man who wins with power over fluidity. He will want higher play recognition sooner or later, however his explosive first contact and skill to play below his opponent’s pads might earn him a spot as a base finish with sub-package rush means or just as a rotational inside defender.

Adetomiwa Adebawore is without doubt one of the most original—and intriguing!—defensive linemen within the 2023 NFL Draft class. I really like his motor and his means to play up and down the road, and his athleticism provides him the pliability to succeed at any spot. Whoever drafts him will want to choose about his long-term place: do you proceed utilizing him as a flexible inside/outdoors participant, or convert him to a full-time inside function with some extra weight?

In this skinny inside defensive position class, I feel we’ll see Adebawore’s identify known as early on Day 2. There are a variety of groups within the high half of the second spherical who’re snug shifting their defensive linemen round. More than something, you’ll be able to belief NFL groups to wager on athleticism and upside, and it’s clear that Adebawore is one-of-a-kind.