'Sleeper' pass-rushing prospect Samson Ebukam to visit Packers
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packerswire.usatoday.com]
By: Zach Kruse | April 9, 2017 2:52 pm ET
The Green Bay Packers will host Eastern Washington edge rusher Samson Ebukam on a pre-draft visit this week, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.
The 6-2, 240-pound outside linebacker prospect is considered to be one of the big sleepers of the defensive class after a productive college career and an eye-catching pro day.
Over 38 career collegiate starts, Ebukam produced 188 tackles, 44 tackles for losses and 24 sacks. As a senior, the Nigerian native tallied 15 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks, plus three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, eight quarterback hits and an interception.
Ebukam really opened some eyes at EWU’s official pro day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds (1.53 over first 10 yards), while also posting 24 reps on the bench press, a 39-inch vertical leap, a broad jump of 10-foot-10 and a time of 7.02 seconds in the 3-cone drill. His size and athletic measurables are quite similar to Temple’s Haason Reddick, who is widely predicted to be a first-round pick later this month.
Rang believes Ebukam has the athletic profile and pass-rushing potential to be a late-round project pick.
“Ebukam has the functional quickness and flexibility to skim the corner, using his relentless effort to make plays in pursuit,” Rang wrote. “While unrefined in areas, he is a very toolsy prospect who could hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft.”
Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst called Ebukam “one of the more underrated 3-4 OLB’s in the draft.”
“Ebukam is a prospect I’ve watched the past two years, and he’s an outstanding athlete with a large amount of upside potential,” Pauline wrote in his scouting report. “Likely best at outside linebacker in a 3-4, he offers definite possibilities as a situational pass rusher on Sundays.”
Ebukam doesn’t have great length (slightly under 6-2, with 32 1/2″ arms), but his athleticism is hard to deny at 240 pounds. The NFL is always looking for edge players capable of winning with burst and bend, and Ebukam brings both to the table. His non-stop motor and experience dropping into coverage are also positives for a team looking to plug him in at 3-4 outside linebacker.
The Packers are likely to take an edge rusher high in the draft, but Ebukam could be an attractive secondary option later in the draft – especially if general manager Ted Thompson wants to add a high upside rusher with obvious athleticism and immediate ability to special teams.
