Name: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
College: Oregon
Class: Senior
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’9"
Weight: 195
Background/Character | Leadership: 10 | Experience: 10 | Off-the-Field: 10 |
| Mental Capacity: 9 | Mental Toughness: 10 | Durability: 6 |
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has been a tremendous emotional on-field and off-field leader for the Oregon Duck program. He’s tough, smart and experienced. Every locker room could use a leader like Ifo. Late in 2014, Ifo tore his ACL, so his long-term durability will continue to be a concern.
Final Grade: 9.16
Athleticism | Balance: 8 | C.O.D: 9 | Explosiveness: 7 |
| Flexibility: 8 | Coordination: 8 | Body Type: 6 |
Standing only 5’9” and 195 pounds, Ifo doesn't have the size to play outside or at free safety in a full time capacity without potential injury issues. He’s a good athlete overall, with the ability to stay on the hip with any receiver. He has good leaping ability and balance, allowing him to tip passes effectively.
Final Grade: 7.66
Overall | Football IQ: 10 | QB Vision: 9 | Tackling: 7 |
| Range: 9 | Hit Power: 8 | Physicality: 10 |
To overcome his physical limitations, Ifo has to play extremely instinctive and smart. He does so, which makes him a solid prospect. He reads the quarterback very well when he’s off the ball, and shows no hesitation in coming up to defend the run. He has great range as a potential free safety. Size makes it hard for him to tackle bigger ball carriers.
Final Grade: 8.83
Coverage Talent | Body Control: 7 | Ball Skills: 9 | Lateral Quicks: 8 |
| Hip Fluidity: 8 | Turn & Run: 9 | Closing Speed: 8 |
Ifo’s feet are very sloppy and can be cleaned up so that his upper and lower body match up more often. This will give him more body control and make him more effective when closing on the ball. If is able to turn and run with solid fluidity and locates the ball fairly well. When the ball is in front of him, he’s got excellent skills.
Final Grade: 8.16
Coverage Technique | Press Technique: 8 | Zone Drops: 9 | Timing: 8 |
| Hand Usage: 7 | Footwork: 7 | Positioning: 8 |
Oregon runs mostly off zone coverage, but does play Ifo in on-man often to capitalize on his physicality. He’ll get grabby against bigger receivers because he’s just unable to compete at catch point. Stays on the hip of receivers really well, but will fall off as the ball arrives. If footwork and hand use improves, his ability to win at catch point can improve.
Final Grade: 7.83
| Player Comparison: | Tyrann Matthieu |
| Projected Draft Position: | 2nd/3rd Round |
| Best Scheme Fit: | Nickel back/free safety |
| Injury History: | Torn ACL in late 2014 |
| Career Accolades: | Three-time PAC-12 All Conference |
| Career Stats: | 244 tackles, 9 INTs, 34 PDs |
Final Analysis
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has been one of the more productive and effective cover corners in college throughout his career. He’s a decorated leader that has been able to anchor the outside for Oregon. Moving to the NFL, he’ll have to overcome his small frame and torn ACL to stay durable.
Ideally, Ifo will play inside as a nickel back to take advantage of his feistiness and ability to play the run. He’s a great run defender that loves to make big plays around the line of scrimmage. Effort will never be an issue for Ifo.
An ideal role for Ifo will allow him to move around to safety, outside cornerback and inside to the slot. He has very good ball skils that allow him to be a game changer. Considering his ACL tear, he likely will miss half of the 2015 NFL season, but the short-term effect is likely small.
Final Grade: 8.05 - 2nd round value