2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RJ Oben, DE, Duke

R.J. Oben has been a key contributor on Duke's very efficient defense. Oben possesses some real wicked pass rush ability with great short area quickness. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks him down as an NFL Prospect in his report. — R.J. Oben has been a key contributor on Duke’s very efficient defense. Oben possesses some real wicked pass rush ability with great short area quickness. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks him down as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	R.J. Oben, #94
School (Code)	Duke University (NCDU)
DOB, Class Yr	6/17/2001, 5^th Year Senior
Height, Weight	6030, 260 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	4.79e
Position/Depth	DE
Honors/Captainship	2023 Preseason All-ACC selection by PFF
Season Viewed (yr)	2022 & 2023
Games Watched	Kansas, Northwestern, Notre Dame & Clemson
Scout Name / Date	Justyce Gordon, 10-16-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	20 total tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 10 QB pressures and 2 FF in 13 games
2021	25 total tackles, 7 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 Int, 8 QB hurries & 3 FF in 12 games
2020	4 total tackles, 0.5 TFL & 0 sacks in 9 games
2019	N/A (Left Shoulder Injury)

Player Summary:

R.J. Oben is a 5^th year senior at Duke University. Oben is an overall good athlete possessing good height and weight with an above-average wingspan. He also showcases good short area quickness and overall solid lateral agility. Oben possesses some real wicked pass rush ability, his first step is solid, but he plays with good hand technique as a speed rusher and shows good ability to win with speed, has a very good hesitation-rip/club on the edge. He has solid ability to win with counter moves as well, and has a good counter-spin move on the edge as well. Oben shows good ability in run support as well, his elite frame and very good physical strength allows him to set the edge well and be stout at the POA, and he displays good stack-shed ability inside and out and possesses good ability to leverage gaps vs both Man & Zone concepts. Oben shows awareness on miss-direction/RPO concepts as well in run support. Although a good athlete, Oben does possess adequate bend/flexibility to corner and finish around the edge; his lower half seems very stiff. He shows overall average ability to win with power and his hand technique and timing with power moves needs work. Displays adequate tackling ability in run support, struggles finishing tackles that requires him getting lateral. Possesses adequate range to get sideline to sideline vs perimeter plays, lacks speed to chase down/spy plays.

Scheme Fit:

4-3 Defensive End.

Power Statement:

R.J. Oben is not the most twitched-up player and won’t amaze with his athleticism, but he possesses the solid upper body strength and good wingspan to impact the passing game as well as defend the run. Oben possesses a wicked pass rush ability utilizing his length, hand usage and speed moves. If he can improve his technique with power moves, he’s going to be a problem for offenses. Oben will be a depth player early on at the next level, but if he can develop and grow more, he has a chance to be a real pass rush threat & an impact player on a defense.