Richard Jibunor was one of the top pass rushers in the FBS last season, ranking top 10 in the country in sacks. But the Troy EDGE rusher brings plenty more skills to a team than just pressuring quarterbacks.
When Troy played Kansas State this last season, the Trojans were down 21-10 late in the third quarter. K-State had the ball on Troy’s 19-yard line and was looking to drain the clock before scoring again, so the Wildcats attempted to run in Jibunor’s direction.
But despite a double team, Jibunor wouldn’t be pushed back. This clogged up the rushing lane, and he eventually helped take down K-State’s running back with the help of his teammates.
Jibunor has the strength, skill, and versatility to be an NFL defender.
Richard Jibunor Draft Projection
I project Jibunor will be selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Ravens or the Panthers would be good fits.
Jibunor showed he has impressive traits as an EDGE rusher when he played a key role in Troy’s stout defense the past couple years. He’ll certainly be somewhere on some NFL teams’ boards on Day 3.
What Was Richard Jibunor’s 40 Time?
Jibunor ran the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds at his pro day, according to The Athletic. That would’ve tied for 14th among defensive ends/EDGE rushers at the NFL Combine.
At 6-foot-2, 232 pounds, he also bench pressed 25 reps, which would’ve tied for third, while recording a vertical jump of 35 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches – which would’ve been sixth at the combine – a short-shuttle time of 4.35 seconds, and a three-cone drill time of 7.52 seconds.
Richard Jibunor’s Stats And Highlights
Jibunor was one of four Troy defenders to make the Group of Five All-American list this past season.
Among EDGE rushers in this year’s draft class who played at least 200 snaps, Jibunor was eighth in Pro Football Focus’ overall grades while sitting in fifth for run defense. He also tied for eighth in tackling, was 19th for pass rushing, and tied for 27th in coverage.
Jibunor was in the top 30 with 39 pressures as well in 2023. He also tied for 33rd with 25 hurries.
Originally from Nigeria, Jibunor began his collegiate career at Auburn after he was a four-star prospect out of high school. After going to Troy and sitting out the 2019 season due to NCAA transfer rules, Jibunor made the All-Sun Belt third team the following three reasons before making the all-conference first team in 2023.
Jibunor played alongside Javon Solomon, who led the country in sacks with 16 last season, but Jibunor was a star himself and tied for ninth in the country with 10 sacks. He added 59 tackles, 18 for loss, with three forced fumbles.
Jibunor tallied 41 tackles in 2022 and 2021. In 2022, he recorded 11 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defended, a fumble recovery, and an interception. The season before, he accumulated 10 TFLs, eight sacks, two picks, two passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In 2020, his first season playing at Troy, he chalked up 33 tackles, seven for loss, with 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Richard Jibunor’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Jibunor’s playing style in the NFL will be similar to Alex Highsmith of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jibunor has great bend around the edge, and that alone obviously makes him tough to block. But he also has great rip and spin moves. Once he learns to utilize multiple moves in one play, Jibunor is going to continue to get better.
Depending on where an NFL team wants him to play, he might need to gain weight. But he has a great frame and athleticism, which should make him an intriguing prospect.
He has the length and power to bull rush successfully. He also has a great first step when pressuring quarterbacks. But he can also drop back into coverage and cause problems for offenses that way.
No matter where he lines up, Jibunor would end up making an NFL team better because of all the traits he brings to a team.
