Dayo Odeyingbo
Summary
Dayo Odeyingbo is a defensive end/edge rusher who was selected in the 2nd round (54th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts after playing college football at Vanderbilt Commodores. Colts
With elite physical traits—standing around 6′6″ with a wingspan over 86″—he offers versatility to line up across the defensive front, both on the edge and inside. The Vanderbilt Hustler
Strengths
Elite length + frame: At ~6′6″ with arms over 35″ and a wingspan near 86.4″, Odeyingbo possesses rare length for an edge/defensive‑line player, which gives him natural advantages in disrupting passing lanes and setting edges. The Vanderbilt Hustler
Burst and movement skills: Despite his size, he showed impressive first‑step acceleration, lateral agility, and the ability to shoot gaps. For example: “flashes an explosive burst and can surprise better overall athletes with his ability to get upfield.” NFL Draft Buzz
Versatility: He lined up as a base end, a 5‑tech, and even inside in college, offering flexibility to defenses. The Vanderbilt Hustler
Pass‑rush potential + hand usage: Scouts noted his “active, violent hand use” and ability to generate pressure from his frame. NFL Draft Buzz
Run‑defender ability: His length and frame allow him to set the edge, shed blocks occasionally, and chase down plays from the backside. Urban reports noted him staying alive against the run and mobile quarterbacks. NFL Draft Buzz
Weaknesses
Raw pass‑rush move‑set: While his physical traits are elite, he was still developing his rush arsenal and counter‑moves. For example: “No great pass‑rush move at a position that demands it … spends too much time hesitating when the situation demands an immediate pass‑rushing move.” Bleacher Report
Leverage & pad‑level issues: His height and length can be a double‑edged sword; he sometimes plays too tall, loses leverage, and can be driven back or reset by heavier blockers.
Injury/availability concerns: Odeyingbo suffered a torn Achilles tendon during his draft preparation, which delayed his NFL debut and raised questions about durability and development trajectory.
Consistency & refinement needed: Though flashes are high, he has at times been inconsistent — especially when asked to play in varied roles or sustain performance across all downs. Some reports labelled him “high floor, unclear ceiling.” Bleacher Report
Fit & Outlook
Odeyingbo’s outlook is high upside with developmental risk. Here’s what to expect:
Short‑term: As he continues to return to full fitness and refine his technique, he projects to be a significant rotational player with starter upside. His length and burst will allow him to impact passing downs early.
Mid‑term: If he sharpens his move‑set, improves his consistency, stays healthy, and embraces a defined role (edge or inside), he has the potential to become a high‑impact starter—perhaps even an elite interior/edge hybrid.
Key for his next step: Improving his rush repertoire (counter moves, hand‑technique), refining leverage and pad level, staying healthy, and locking in a defined role in a defensive system that uses his length.
Floor & Ceiling:
Floor: Solid starter or high‑end rotational edge who wins some snaps and pressures but isn’t dominant every down.
Ceiling: Impact player who commands double teams, disrupts both run and pass consistently, and anchors a front for multiple years.
Risk Factors: If he cannot stay healthy, fails to refine his technique, or remains too raw in his pass‑rush skill set, he may never fully ascend beyond the complementary piece tier.