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The New York Giants strategy for the 2022 NFL Draft might have taken a hit today, as Michigan’s David Ojabo suffered a torn Achilles during the Michigan pro day.
A scary sight at @UMichFootball pro day. Edge rusher David Ojabo sustained injury in pass rush drill. Went down clutching left leg. Not sure if ankle or leg but he had to helped off field. pic.twitter.com/moL8FmbYb0
— Jeffri Chadiha (@jeffrichadiha) March 18, 2022
The injury in question was described by those in attendance as “non-contact,” with Ojabo dropping to the turf during a drill.
Michigan DE David Ojabo went down taking a pass drop at Pro Day—caught the ball, planted, pushed off, went to the ground. There are obvious serious concerns with a non-contact injury suffered this way, but nothing confirmed yet.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 18, 2022
Ojabo is widely considered a 1st-round prospect.
Tests confirmed that LB David Ojabo tore his Achilles, per a Michigan source. Doctors expect a full and complete recovery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2022
Rams’ RB Cam Akers tore his Achilles last summer and was back in about six months, and doctors expect Ojabo to be on the same timeline.
A six-month timeline seems optimistic for Ojabo. He is a much bigger player than Akers, putting that much more strain on his Achilles. He is also a player who depends heavily on his burst and explosiveness as the foundation for his game.
Lorenzo Carter suffered a torn Achilles tendon early in the 2020 season and didn't regain his full explosiveness until the final weeks of the 2021 season. There will be major questions regarding Ojabo's athleticism post-injury.
Ojabo has frequently been linked to the Giants as a potential option with the seventh overall pick. Ojabo is a relative newcomer to the sport of football, only picking up the game in his junior year of high school. He is a fantastic athlete who is only scratching the surface of his considerable upside, but that potential is enough to earn him high first round consideration in a very deep EDGE class.
That significant of an injury could play havoc Ojabo’s draft stock. Ojabo only has two years at Michigan and one complete season of tape to his name. He needs as much work and as many reps as he can get to reach his potential.
It remains to be seen whether this will knock Ojabo out of the first round completely, or if a team at the end of the first round will take a chance on him.
We’re hoping for the best possible outcome and a speedy recovery for Ojabo.
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