Amen Ogbongbemiga

Summary

Amen Ogbongbemiga was selected in Round 7 (#249 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State University. At OSU, Ogbongbemiga was a productive and versatile linebacker, finishing his college career with 260+ total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 10 passes defended, while earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors (2019). Since entering the NFL, Ogbongbemiga has built his career primarily as a core special teams contributor and rotational linebacker, appearing in 60+ NFL games across stints with the Chargers, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers. While defensive snaps have been limited, he has consistently ranked among team leaders in special teams tackles and snaps. Ogbongbemiga is widely regarded as a high-character, high-effort professional, known for his work ethic, toughness, coachability, and willingness to embrace any role asked of him.

Strengths

• Speed & Range: Good straight-line speed and pursuit ability; covers ground quickly in space. Plays with urgency and physical intent; consistently active around the football.

• Special Teams Impact: Core contributor on kickoff, punt, and coverage units; reliable open-field tackler. Team-first mentality and dependable depth player who prepares like a starter.

• Coverage Awareness: Comfortable in zone drops; capable of matching running backs and tight ends underneath.

• Instincts: Diagnoses plays quickly when unblocked and reacts decisively to flow. Due to being on a few NFL rosters, he has experience in multiple linebacker roles and defensive systems.

Weaknesses

• Size & Play Strength: Undersized for a traditional NFL linebacker and can be overpowered by linemen, limiting his ceiling as a potential starter.

• Block Shedding: Struggles to disengage consistently when blockers reach the second level. Limited effectiveness as a blitzer or pressure generator.

• Run Defense vs. Power: Best when scraping and flowing; less effective taking on downhill runs head-on.

• Limited Defensive Snap Ceiling: More effective as a role player than an every-down defender. Defensive playmaking has not consistently translated at the NFL level.

Outlook

Ogbongbemiga is best suited for speed-oriented, sub-package defensive schemes that emphasize coverage, pursuit, and special teams excellence. He fits naturally as a WILL linebacker or dime-package defender, where he can operate in space, chase plays sideline to sideline, and avoid constant engagement with offensive linemen. His value is maximized in systems that prioritize athleticism and assignment discipline over size at the second level. Ogbongbemiga projects as a high-floor depth linebacker and core special teams piece capable of sticking on NFL rosters through reliability and effort. While his ceiling as a defensive starter is limited by size and strength, his speed, intelligence, and professionalism give him strong longevity as a trusted role player. Teams seeking dependable special teams production with functional linebacker depth will continue to find value in Ogbongbemiga’s skill set.