NFL Draft Diamonds

NFL Draft, NFL Trade Rumors, Scouting Reports & More

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Caleb Okechukwu, EDGE, Syracuse

Caleb Okechukwu is an edge rusher for Syracuse who’s quick off the snap and versatile enough to play in different schemes. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks down Okechukwu as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Caleb Okechukwu, #93
School (Code)Syracuse (NYSY)
DOB, Class Yr6th year senior
Height, Weight6026, 268 lbs.
40 Yd Dash4.91e
Position/Depth3-4 DE & 4-3 DE
Honors/Captainship2022 ECAC All-Star, 2022 Tim Green award winner, Member of SU athletic director’s honor roll in 2020 & 2021
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedVirginia, NC State, Louisville & Clemson
Scout Name / DateJustyce Gordon, 08-05-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202227 solo tackles (48 total), 10 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 FF & 1 TD in 13 games
202112 solo tackles (21 total), 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks & 1 FR in 10 games
202010 solo tackles (14 total), 1 TFL & 1 sack in 8 games
2019Missed season due to kidney illness (rhabdomyolysis)
2018Redshirt

Player Summary:

Caleb is a 6th year senior at Syracuse and has appeared in 36 games for the Orange over the last 3 years. He possesses Very good size and frame for a DE in both a 4-3 & 3-4. Has a good get-off on the interior and times snap well. Shows overall solid hand usage to attack opponents’ hands and when performing speed moves. Shows solid ability to win with speed on the interior, possesses solid short-area quickness, and has good rip move. Good ability to win with power on the interior as with good physical strength and initial punch. Overall, good upfield burst against run vs both Man and Gap concepts. Shows good gap leverage ability on the edge, and does a good job setting the edge on the perimeter. Solid ability to secure tackles between gaps when in position. Shows good backside discipline vs misdirection plays, stays home well, and shows good IQ knowing what his assignments are. Possesses adequate bend/flexibility as a pass rusher to corner and get under blocks at a high level. Has an adequate toolbox and PR plan as a pass rusher, but lacks a variety of moves as well as counters. Marginal block shed ability on the interior, a bad tendency to turn his back to disengage vs opponent which leads to him getting sealed easily. Possesses marginal sideline-sideline speed/range to chase down plays from behind. And also possesses marginal coverage ability, his overall average athleticism for his position limits his agility in space to cover effectively.

Scheme Fit:

4-3 DT, 5-Tech

Power Statement:

Caleb Okechukwu is a player you can move around a bit on a defensive line. While he struggles to disengage from blocks on the interior vs the run, he provides better pass-rush ability on the interior because of his limited flexibility/bend on edge. He’s someone that should play on edge on early downs vs run and slide inside as a 5 or even 3 tech in passing situations. Caleb has some development to do as a pass rusher and in-run support and will most likely be a practice squad player early on at the next level, but if he can continue to develop, I believe he possesses traits to serve as a nice rotational piece for defense.

Leave a Reply