Eyabi Okie-Anoma played at four colleges over the past six years. In his last stop at Charlotte, the EDGE rusher showed a glimpse of what he’s truly capable of.
Against SMU in an AAC contest in 2023, the Mustangs had the ball at Charlotte’s 15-yard line on first-and-10 midway through the first quarter, threatening to expand their lead. But Okie-Anoma made that a bit more difficult.
Starting out at defensive end, he bursted out of his stance at the snap. Then he shoved the offensive tackle across from him out of the way.
The quarterback tried to run away, but it was futile. Okie-Anoma corralled him for a sack.
Okie-Anoma could be a productive pro pass rusher at the next level if he gets the opportunity.
“Just be humble,” he said at the NFL Combine when asked what the best piece of advice he ever received was. “Stay prayed up. Don’t think about it too much. You deserve to be where you’re at.”
Eyabi Okie-Anoma Draft Projection
I project Okie-Anoma will be selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles or the Green Bay Packers would be good fits.
He’s an intriguing prospect because he could play in several different roles in the NFL due to his blend of athleticism and size. It all depends on what pro teams view him as and how much they value his skill set.
“Wherever they put me, that’s where I’m going to be,” he said, “and that’s what I’m going to work at.”
Eyabi Okie-Anoma’s Stats And Highlights
Okie-Anoma was ranked the No. 4 prospect coming out of the state of Maryland. He ultimately decided to go to Alabama, where he made the SEC All-Freshman team in 2018 after totaling nine tackles and two tackles for loss in eight games.
He didn’t play in 2019 and then transferred to UT Martin and had to sit out in 2020. In 2021, he made eight starts and made the All-Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team. He posted 36 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks.
He returned to the FBS and played for Michigan in 2022. He tallied 18 tackles, six TFLs, and four sacks while making two starts.
He ended his collegiate career at Charlotte, and he made the All-AAC second team in 2023. His 10 quarterback hurries tied for first in a single season in the 49ers’ record books, his 5.5 sacks tied for the fourth-most, and his 11.5 TFLs tied for the sixth-most. He also added 56 tackles, which was third on the team, as well as a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
Eyabi Okie-Anoma’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Okie-Anoma’s playing style in the NFL will be similar to Leonard Floyd of the San Francisco 49ers. Though Floyd is more of an outside linebacker, they have similar frames and rush the passer with the same level of tenacity.
Okie-Anoma is incredibly quick out of his stance. Though he didn’t participate in measurable drills at the NFL Combine, he clearly can accelerate at an elite level. He also has the long-range speed to chase down ball carriers on the opposite side of the field.
Okie-Anoma is also disciplined when it comes to the run game and maintains the edge well. And whether it’s on run or pass plays, he can line up in different spots and can start plays either with his hand on the ground or in a two-point stance.
Though he could work on lowering his pad level, Okie-Anoma can certainly shed blocks effectively. He demanded the attention of two or three blockers at times in college.
Okie-Anoma has the chance to contribute at the next level. But until he knows what team he’s going to play for, he’s been focusing on staying in the moment and doing what he can to improve his game.
“Just take things day by day,” Okie-Anoma said. “Don’t try to think too far ahead.”
