What could Rams do with this DT/DE/OLB at NFL Combine?

What could LA Rams do with this DT/DE/OLB guy at the NFL Combine?

[ramblinfan.com]

Bret Stuter

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is certainly chock-full of incredible stories. The fun part of it all is that this is just the beginning of this year's annual NFL track meet. The annual event is as much trade show as it is a complex array of athletic events designed to allow for a more direct and comprehensive comparison of NFL hopeful draft prospects.

It has some pageantry, some pomp and ceremony, and even some qualities of a class reunion. But the headline stories continue to be about the amazing young men who have dedicated much of their life for this moment, the NFL Scouting Combine, when all 32 NFL teams train their eyes, binoculars, and stopwatches to gather information and insight into collegiate athletes who want to take their game to the next level.

One such athlete is Adetomiwa Adebawore, who is a 6-foot-2 282-pound DE/OLB from Northwestern who blew through the drills at the 2023 NFL Scouting combine. He was originally projected to be a mid-Day 2 draft prospect, but his stock is skyrocketing right now thanks to his incredible versatility at competing in drills for defensive tackles, defensive ends, and linebackers.


Jim Nagy

@JimNagy_SB
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“His goal when he got to the Senior Bowl was that he wanted to be a first round pick in Kansas City (@Chiefs) come April…Two amazing performances: Senior Bowl all week. Combine all week…Maybe he’s worked his way into be a first round selection.”

Couldn’t agree more, @PSchrags.

Good Morning Football

@gmfb
“My biggest winner of
Day 1 was Adetomiwa Adebawore. At 282 pounds— he ran DE, DT, and LB drills, jumped 37.5 inches, and ran a 4.49 40. Guys, that’s insane.”

- @PSchrags

Versatility is vital in the modern day NFL

That level of versatility is cherished in NFL circles, as it gives defensive coordinators a lot of flexibility over how to optimize their roster. Of course, not all NFL teams are eager to invest in a 'Tweener,' which is already how Adebarwore is described in his NFL Draft profiles.

Day 2
Adetomiwa Adebawore

DE/OLB | Northwestern
We know that the LA Rams need depth at both their defensive line and at the edge, and Adetomiwa Adebawore appears to be the type of prospect who can fill both needs with one selection.

The potential for a player like Adebawore along the LA Rams defensive front is quite promising. While there is something to be said for tall defensive linemen who can get their hands up and bat at passes, the Rams have had a pretty good track record with defensive linemen who stand 6-foot-1, like Greg Gaines or Aaron Donald.

Right now, Adetomiwa Adebawore's draft stock is climbing rapidly. With the LA Rams holding just two picks in the early going, that could propel him out of the Rams reach. But his performance continues to confirm the perception that this is a deep draft class. NFL Draft Buzz has Adebawore ranked as their 17th defensive lineman, and 87th overall player in the draft.

Stay tuned, as the fun has just begun. There are three more days of events at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and this year has already proven to be incredible.