2015 NFL Draft Profile: CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
One of the less talked about draft needs for the New York Giants is help in the secondary. With that in mind we turn to Ifo Ekpre-Olomu for our next GMENHQ Draft profile. Ekpre-Olomu is of course the very talented cornerback from the Oregon Ducks.
Ekpre-Olomu missed the College Football Playoffs with a knee injury. Because of his knee injury he will not participate in the NFL Combine and missed the opportunity to shine at the Senior Bowl. The injury is a red flag on an otherwise shiny resume. He was clearly one of the best cornerbacks in college football last season. Ekpre-Olomu is the 2nd ranked cornerback on the GMENHQ position rankings.
GMENHQ Big Board Ranking: 15th Overall Prospect
Strengths:
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- Aggressive cornerback: Ekpre-Olomu is not afraid to jump routes and is good at being physical at the line of scrimmage with receivers
- Versatility: Ekpre-Olomu can play in the nickel position or outside. He can play zone or man both effectively. He also figures to make an impact on special teams with his speed and tackling ability
- Good tackler: He is a good open field tackler and helps out in run defense. He had 164 solo tackles in his college career
- Above Average Ball Skills: Ekpre-Olomu can turn defense into offense. He had 9 interceptions in his 4 seasons at Oregon. In 2012 he had 4 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles which was his best statistical season
- Great Athlete: He does not waste movement, he changes directions well
Concerns:
- Ekpre-Olomu does not have great recovery speed
- He does not have ideal length (5’10”)
- Slender build, naturally has a disadvantage against big receivers
- His aggressiveness can come back to bite him as he can give up the occasional deep ball
Overall, Ekpre-Olomu is a good player who should be selected anywhere from picks 15-25 in the first round. The injury leaves room for concern. It may take him time to become a starting corner but he should excel in the nickel position.