The two outside linebackers who played the most snaps for the Los Angeles Rams this past season are set to hit free agency next month, and there’s no certainty that the team will be able to retain either Samson Ebukam or Leonard Floyd. If both players leave, or if even just one of them departs, the door could open wide for Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo has dealt with injuries throughout his young career thus far but 2021 could be his best opportunity yet to contribute in a big way. He’s training this offseason in advance of next season and in a recent video clip he retweeted, his hands are looking quick in a hand-speed drill.
Your hands only go as fast as your eyes! @OgboOkoronkwo pic.twitter.com/X6whTbtwyT
— Coach Brandon Jordan (@CoachBTJordan) February 11, 2021
Okoronkwo has the potential to be a guy who pushes six or seven sacks per year, given his pass-rush repertoire and hand usage. He has a killer spin move, too, which he’s shown off multiple times.
But his lack of size limits him a bit, especially with the Rams showing a preference for bigger edge rushers – guys like Floyd, Justin Hollins, Derek Rivers and Terrell Lewis, all of whom are at least 6-foot-5.
Next season will be the final year of Okoronkwo’s contract, so he’s running out of time to prove himself in Los Angeles.
