Charlotte 49ers: Larry Ogunjobi drafted at 65 by Browns
The Third Round was the charm for Charlotte 49ers defensive tackle prospect Larry Ogunjobi.
The wait for Charlotte 49ers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi is over. He was taken number sixty-five overall, or the first pick in the third round, by the Cleveland Browns to become part of their huge rebuilding project. He will be a big piece too, particularly as the Browns look to forge a new identity behind defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
The Browns used a 3-4 defense last year. Ogunjobi would be a fine fit at nose tackle or used to eat space at one of the end positions, but one would have to wonder if Gregg Williams is about to install a 4-3 defense. That scheme would make more sense for Ogunjobi to be paired with another tackle as well as having 1st round pick Myles Garrett play a true defensive end position.
Cleveland had an adventure to get here. After taking Garrett, they traded away from Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson at twelve and grabbed Jabrill Peppers at twenty-five. They traded up for David Njoku to end their first round of grabbing talent but not a quarterback. The Browns did take a quarterback in the second round, taking Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer. Given that Kizer is Tom Brady’s brain in Cam Newton’s body, it was probably the right choice.
Ogunjobi is entering a great opportunity to become a major player. A new defensive coordinator and a rebuilding team means that no one has a spot that does not earn it. This includes rookie third round picks just as much as it affects the veterans who are already there.
The Charlotte 49ers now have a player they can tout as a high NFL draft pick. Every time Ogunjobi appears on Sunday Night or Monday Night Football, there is a chance to hear him say ‘Charlotte’ or ‘Charlotte 49ers’ as the place that he came from.