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Victor Ochi
College: Stony Brook
Position: Defensive End
Height/Weight: 6-1/246
College Stats: 182 tackles, 50.5 tackles for loss, 32.5 sacks.
A New York City native, Victor Ochi was a steal of a recruit out of high school for Stony Brook. He was an All-New York State selection as a senior that also showed some skill in track and field.
After redshirting in 2011 as a freshman, Ochi made 45 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks in the 2012 season. His overall tackle numbers dropped as a sophomore to 33, but he was the team leader with 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. The defensive end was an All-CAA selection as a junior in 2014 with 57 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Ochi ended his career with the Seawolves as the CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-CAA selection.
Pros:
Ochi can play standing up or in a three-point stance, suited to adapt to any type of defense as needed. He is an extremely physical player that loves to use an impressive first punch to jar offensive linemen. Ochi loves playing the game and it is clear that he loves to initiate contact on every play possible.
Despite being only 6-1, he has surprisingly long arms that allow him to gain separation versus offensive tackles. He is one of the few pass rushers in this draft that can just flat out bull rush a lineman right into the quarterback when he wants. Ochi rarely misses a chance to make a crushing tackle in the run game.
Cons:
No matter his production at the FCS level, two complaints will always be thrown in the direction of Ochi. He is not as tall as NFL teams expect out of a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid and he played against below average competition.
Ochi has to work at anticipating the snap, rather than just reacting with the speed of play moving up several notches in the NFL. If he can prove that his size is no detriment and he can play a bit quicker, he will find a spot in the NFL.
Where will Ochi get drafted?
The upside of a player that is more than happy to get physical out on the field and has a true love for the game cannot be understated. Victor Ochi will need a little time to adjust to the NFL, but he has the ability to play at that level.
My prediction is Ochi heading to the Philadelphia Eagles with the #188 pick of the sixth round.