BJ Ojulari | Edge Rusher with High Upside - Edge of Philly Sports Network

Last season the Eagles had a record-setting number of sacks. A big reason for that is the talent on the defensive line. Howie was able to resign some of the vocal veterans of that line, but he knows that he has to build on it for the future. With Derek Barnett coming back but not having performed up to the level of his drafted position, Howie will look to replace him with a stronger talent. There is no doubt that Howie is starting to look at the SEC for high-quality talent. He has also focused more specifically on players in Georgia. BJ Ojulari, an edge rusher with a high upside, could be available for Howie in the second round of the draft.

Who is BJ Ojulari

Ojulari, a son of Nigerian immigrants, was born and raised in Georgia. His older brother played for the Georgia Bulldogs. The New York Giants later drafted him in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. B.J. is looking to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

However, unlike his older brother, he attended LSU. Ojulari played in all ten of LSU’s games as a freshman. He finished the season with 16 tackles, four sacks, and five tackles for loss, with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Ojulari was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. Olujari led the Tigers with seven sacks among his 55 total stops, 11.5 for loss, in 13 games with 12 starts as a sophomore. He ascended to first-team All-SEC status in 2022, starting 11 games (58 tackles, 8.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks) and missing two early-season games with a knee injury.

Ojulari would be a perfect addition to the defensive line rotation. Some of Ojulari’s strengths are that he is able to force his way upfield and he is strong enough to fight through first contact. Another strength of Ojulari is that he is good at getting released off the tight end or tackling to pursue a running back down in the open field.

The Difference Maker

Some of Ojulari’s weaknesses are that he tends to give up on the play if it is not going in his direction. Another weakness is that he has to show more consistency in his performances. He only had two sacks in his last eight games.

With Ojulari’s physical measurables, he seems like he would be a good fit for a hybrid edge/linebacker. He gives the Eagles versatility on the defense, as well as a burst of speed and strength. The quality that will stand out to Howie and the Eagles is Ojulari’s ability to be a team leader and a great locker room presence. Building this defense with experience and some young legs will give opposing offenses fits on how to protect their precious quarterback.