We have already broken down a few of the players in the Cleveland undrafted free agent haul, but today we are going to dive into a small school prospect that went under many radars (including myself) during the pre-draft process. The Browns are making an effort at being more effective at reaching and pressuring the passer. This signing was another instance of that.
Name: George Obinna
Position: Outside Linebacker
School: Sacramento State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 240 pounds
Strengths:
Obinna was a defensive end in college and can provide versatility at end if he gains more weight, or also outside linebacker at the next level. Extremely productive college resume as he completely dominated the Big Sky conference earning first-team multiple times. Obinna started since his sophomore season, but also played meaningful minutes as a true freshman. He is a pass-rushing specialist as evidenced by owning the school career record for sacks with 33.5.
Weaknesses: We highlight Obinna’s “versatility” above and this could be true, but you could also make the argument that he wasn’t drafted due to his tweener status. He lacks the ideal size you want in an end and also the ideal athleticism of a classic outside backer. He played at a small school and dominated in large part due to his combination of size and quickness at that level. This is not going to be enough in the NFL.
Overall: Obinna is another prospect that has an uphill battle to make the final roster as he doesn’t have a real position and a defensive coordinator would need to put some effort into finding him a role. It is isn’t impossible for him to grow into the role of either a full-time end or outside backer, but the odds are against him. Obinna does have a chance of sticking due to his potential effectiveness on special teams.
