2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michigan OLB Joshua Uche

2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Joshua Uche, OLB, Michigan Wolverines

Career Snapshot
First-year starter who earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors and made 35 tackles (11.5 for loss) with 8.5 sacks as a senior in 2019. Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and made 15 tackles (eight for loss) with seven sacks in a rotational role as a junior.

Positives
Explosive, athletic front-seven player who is developing a complete game. Easily moves about the field, quickly alters his angle of attack and consistently plays with proper pad level. Rarely off his feet, displays a quick first step out of a three-point stance and shows a closing burst to the action.

Effectively fights with his hands and shows tremendous quickness and the ability to bend off the edge. Fast up the field and displays outstanding range. Effectively occupies blockers and allows teammates to get to the ball to make plays.

Negatives
Lacks great height and struggles to get off blocks. Needs to polish his pass coverage.

Analysis
In my opinion, Uche is one of the more underrated defenders in this year’s draft, as he’s an effective pass rusher standing over tackle and out of a three-point stance. He displays the ability to make plays in space and showed well during Senior Bowl practices when used as a traditional linebacker. There may be some bumps in the road for Uche but if given time and properly coached, he could start at the next level.

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