2019 Senior Bowl: 5 players who improved stock
By Joe Romano
Chuma Edoga, T, USC
Before entering the practice week Chuma Edoga of USC was thought to be a second or third tier tackle. This is a class that features some high end talent like Oklahoma’s Cody Ford and Alabama’s Jonah Williams. Edoga still may not be in that class but his name is worth keeping an eye on after an impressive week.
Any time you can get called out, by name, by the head of the entire Senior Bowl, you had a good week. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy did just that by naming Edoga the MVP of the practice week for the entire group.
Congrats to Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week (Top Overall), USC tackle Chuma Edoga (@edogawd). There’s a long list of players that improved their draft stock this week in Mobile but none more than Edoga, who consistently stood out in OL/DL 1-on-1’s. #seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/CvGnN6Wgwr
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 25, 2019
Edoga was thought to be a good athlete who may lack the strength to be a high end starter in the NFL. There was potential in his game given his length and impressive lightness to his feet. After this week there is buzz that he may push into the top of the second day of the draft.
Scouts fell in love with Edoga because of his game but also his attitude. He was constantly working through the whistle and stone-walling a talented group of pass rushers. Even when they were able to get the edge on him, the former Trojan was able to reset and run players off their path and up the arc. Here he is doing it to Iowa’s Anthony Nelson.
Anthony Nelson v Chuma Edoga pic.twitter.com/mRVqekVbP5
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) January 24, 2019
His improvement in run blocking was evident. It was crucial he showed the ability to use his length to his advantage. At sub-300 pounds, he will need to use that to not get overwhelmed with strength. Here’s an example of him doing just that.
https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/1088208137553887234
Edoga was a clear winner. This was a great group of edge rushers he was up-against, including a potential top-10 pick. His ability to win the week adds to an already deep offensive line class.