This year’s New Orleans Saints rookie class was much-lauded by draft analysts, largely thanks to their-highly rated undrafted free agent signings. One of those rookies who joined the Saints after the 2019 NFL Draft was exciting Nebraska Huskers running back Devine Ozigbo, an accomplished between-the-tackles runner who showed some upside as a receiver in his senior year.
The first day of Saints training camp was hard on Ozigbo. The 225-pound back took a handoff from Teddy Bridgewater early in team drills and was immediately wrapped up by third-year pass rusher Trey Hendrickson; the 270-pound defensive end lowered his shoulder and checked his teammate into the turf, drawing a loud reaction from fans. It may have been his way of saying, “Welcome to the NFL, rookie.”
Undeterred, Ozigbo later got his own big moment on a run to the opposite side of the field. Ozigbo cut to his left and raced through an open lane (which Hendrickson may have been tasked with filling) to dash into the open field, where he slid past a few Saints defenders before the play was whistled dead. It was a good example of the elusiveness he offers, and what may help his chances in the NFL.
It will take more nice moments like this — and avoiding future big hits like he first experienced — for Ozigbo to cut it with the Saints, much less in the NFL. But he’s as good a candidate as any to help the team move past its loss of Mark Ingram in free agency. There will be plenty opportunities ahead as the Saints begin to prepare for their preseason games.
