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Odafe Oweh

Odafe Oweh Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 1, 31st overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Pro Football Reference

  • College: Penn State University.

  • Key Statistics / Career: Over his NFL career, Oweh has posted 27.0 sacks, 159 combined tackles, and 7 forced fumbles through multiple seasons. StatMuse In 2024, he recorded a career-high 10.0 sacks. CBS Sports

  • Accolades / Character: First‑Team All‑Big Ten in college. Known for his rare athletic traits (height, speed, length), high motor, and relentless pass‑rush mentality. Oweh was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, giving him a fresh opportunity. Reuters

Strengths

  • Explosive Pass‑Rush Ability — Combines freakish athleticism, length, and burst off the edge to generate pressure. NFL Clubs

  • Motor & Hustle — Plays with high energy, pursues the quarterback relentlessly, and sustains effort late in downs.

  • Run‑Defensive Capability — Uses size and strength to set the edge and tackle effectively in run scenarios.

  • Big-Play Production — Has forced multiple fumbles and makes impact plays, not just standard sacks. StatMuse

  • Versatility — Capable of playing as a traditional 4‑3 DE or as a 3‑4 outside linebacker; useful in multiple fronts.

  • Improved Consistency — Demonstrated a leap in production, particularly with his 10-sack season in 2024. CBS Sports

  • Size & Length — At 6’5″ and 251 lb, he offers ideal dimensions for an edge rusher. Pro Football Reference

Weaknesses

  • Consistency Issues — Despite his 2024 breakout, some games lack consistent pressure; production can swing.

  • Technique Development Needed — While athletic, his hand‑usage and counter moves need refinement against technically sound tackles.

  • Durability Concern — Long edge rushers with high motor risk overuse; plus, a trade suggests prior team saw cap or fit issues. Reuters

  • Functional Strength — Can be outmuscled by powerful offensive linemen or double teams if he doesn’t use leverage well.

  • Coverage Limitations — Not a high-coverage backer; his best impact comes as a pass rusher, not in dropping into complex coverage.

Fit & Outlook

Odafe Oweh projects as a high-upside, situational edge rusher moving forward. With the Chargers, he can be used aggressively as a pass‑rush specialist on obvious passing downs, stunts, and sub‑packages. In an ideal scheme, he won’t be asked to carry 100% of the workload but rather to maximize his strengths — speed, length, burst — in a concentrated role. If he continues building his technique, refines his counter repertoire, and stays healthy, Oweh has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy regularly, especially in passing situations. Over time, he could grow into a foundational piece of a defensive front, but his trajectory depends heavily on coaching and usage.