Oakland Raiders select Obi Melifonwu
The Oakland Raiders selected UConn Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu with the 56th-overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Melifonwu is one of the more intriguing prospects this class has to offer. He flew under the radar throughout his four years at UConn, mostly because he played at a school with a middling record in an overlooked conference. Still, Melifonwu was able to vault his status throughout the draft process.
While the best of this safety class is undoubtedly Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker, there is real debate whether Jabrill Peppers or Melifonwu will eventually turn out to be better i the NFL. One thing is for sure: the former Huskies standout has elite size and speed, checking in at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds while running a blazing 4.40 40-time.
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 224
40-time: 4.40
Bench: 17 reps
Vertical: 44”
Broad: 141”
3-cone: N/A
The only question is whether Melifonwu is going to be a victim of his recent success. Because of his excellent showings throughout the offseason, there is real question whether he was drafted higher than his actual worth. At 23 years old, there is a need to get Melifonwu onto the field immediately as a starter.
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UConn has produced some excellent over the years, ranging from Byron Jones to Anthony Sherman. The program is well-schooled in the techniques that are essential to playing at the next level. Melifonwu should be able to make an impact soon, even if he’s a rotational player as a rookie.