Dayo Odeyingbo

Summary

Dayo Odeyingbo was selected in Round 2 (#54 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Vanderbilt University. With the Commodores, he totaled 125 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, flashing rare size and athletic traits for an edge defender and earning All-SEC recognition. Odeyingbo entered the NFL after suffering a late Achilles injury, which delayed his early development and limiting him to a versatile rotational starter role along the Colts’ defensive front. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 60+ NFL games, producing 16+ career sacks, 30+ tackles for loss, and consistent pressure numbers, while aligning both on the edge and inside on passing downs. Odeyingbo is widely respected for his work ethic, intelligence, toughness, and professionalism, and he has earned praise from coaches for his versatility, unselfishness, and steady improvement following his injury recovery.

Strengths

• Size–Athleticism Profile: Prototype build with long arms and good movement skills makes him an ideal fit as strong side edge defender in both 4-man and hybrid fronts.

• Power at Point of Attack: Strong against the run and sets a firm edge and can hold up versus offensive tackles.

• Interior Pass-Rush Ability: Effective using power and length against guards when reduced inside. Uses reach to affect passing lanes and control blockers.

• Motor & Effort: Plays with consistent effort and chases plays down the line and through the whistle. Executes assignments reliably.

Weaknesses

• First-Step Explosion: Lacks elite get-off compared to top-tier edge rushers. Adequate but not a true speed threat off the edge.

• Bend & Flexibility: Wins more with power than cornering ability and shows limited ability to dip and flatten.

• Pass-Rush Refinement: Still developing a consistent counter-move package. Generates pressures but does not always convert to sacks.

• Ceiling as Pure Edge: While he’s a nice player to have in your rotation, he is more effective as a versatile piece than a primary sack artist.

Outlook

Odeyingbo is best suited for multiple-front defenses that value size, versatility, and interior–edge flexibility along the defensive line. His ability to defend the run on early downs and slide inside on passing situations makes him a valuable chess piece for coordinators who want to vary looks and create favorable matchups. He fits particularly well in schemes that emphasize power, length, and disciplined gap control rather than relying solely on speed-based edge pressure. Odeyingbo projects as a reliable high-end rotational defensive lineman with continued value tied to his versatility and physicality. While he may never develop into a double-digit sack artist, his ability to contribute across multiple roles, hold up against the run, and generate interior pressure gives him a high floor and long-term roster value. With continued refinement of his pass-rush counters, he can remain a core front-seven contributor for contending defenses.