Owen Pappoe (LB) – Auburn / Senior
6’0”, 225 Lbs. (Official)
2022 Stats: 112 Games, 51 Solo tackles, 40 Assists, 91 Total tackles, 3 Tackles for loss, 2 Sacks, 1 Interception, 3 Passes defended, 2 Forced fumbles
{reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/owen-pappoe-1.html}
Awards: Named to multiple award watch lists heading into the 2022 campaign
Measurables: Vertical – 35.5, Broad – 1006, 40-yard – 4.39, 3-Cone – NA, RAS: 9.30
Games Watched: 2020 Vs. Northwestern, 2022 Vs. Missouri, 2022 Vs. Penn St.
PROS
Drops in coverage well, fluid hips. Does not shy away from taking on OL who come at him with a clean release and full head of steam. Does a good job of shedding blockers in the open field, quick and strong. Though he is short, he keeps himself in a good position to see what’s happening in front of him even when larger offensive players are approaching him. Good at setting the edge when coming off the outside of the offensive line. Good balance when approaching ball carriers in the open field, not overly aggressive, does not put himself out of position.
CONS
Undersized for a MLB, can get washed out of the play. Relies on strength a bit too much when rushing the interior of the O-line, would like to see him utilize his smaller frame and quickness. Late to react to receivers entering his zone in coverage situations. Don’t always see that 4.39 speed on tape.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Pappoe was a 5 star recruit coming out of high school who saw playing time right away at the University of Auburn. Nicknamed “The Freak”, Pappoe came in at #8 overall on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list. Pappoe missed an opportunity to show out at the Senior Bowl due to a nagging shoulder injury which held him out. Pappoe is a little undersized but he’s physical and he pairs that with grit and explosiveness which both match-up well in today’s era of high speed, pass happy offenses. As a pass rusher I like Pappoe more off the edge than blitzing through the interior of the offensive line.
Updated by: @CoachSchepps, 03/21/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark 03/21/23
