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.