R.J. Oben DL/EDGE Notre Dame | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
R.J. Oben DL/EDGE Notre Dame
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.79 seconds (79%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.79 seconds (79%*) | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 73.8 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
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78% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
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51% |
Pass Rush: |
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71% |
Run Defense: |
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68% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#365
Position rank:
#69
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College Games: 61 College Snaps: 1723 | ||
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Cade Hall - San José State |
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92% |
Trajan Jeffcoat - Arkansas |
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82% |
Zach VanValkenburg - Iowa |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
R.J. Oben is a defensive end prospect from Notre Dame, where he transferred after four seasons at Duke. The son of former NFL offensive tackle Roman Oben, R.J. brings an NFL pedigree to the edge rusher position. At Duke, Oben steadily improved his production each season, culminating in a 2022 campaign with 20 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 13 games.A three-star recruit out of St. Peter's Prep in New Jersey, Oben saw limited action as a freshman in 2019 before his season ended due to shoulder surgery. He began to emerge as a junior in 2021, recording 25 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks while starting 10 games. Oben also showed a knack for creating turnovers that season with 3 forced fumbles and an interception.
After another solid season at Duke in 2022, Oben transferred to Notre Dame for his final year of eligibility in 2023. At 6'4" and 260 pounds, he has prototypical size for an NFL edge defender.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Good first step quickness allows him to stress offensive tackles off the edge and disrupt the pocket
- Uses long arms effectively to create separation from blockers and disengage to make plays
- Displays a variety of pass rush moves including a hesitation-rip and counter spin to keep tackles off balance
- Sets a strong edge against the run with the ability to stack and shed blockers
- Flashes good hand usage and technique as a speed rusher to win on the outside
- Shows awareness against misdirection plays and RPOs to stay disciplined
- Improved production each season at Duke, peaking with 6.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks in 2022
- NFL bloodlines as the son of former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Roman Oben
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite bend and flexibility to consistently turn the corner and flatten to the quarterback
- Average athlete overall who may struggle to win with pure speed at the NFL level
- Needs to develop a more diverse array of power moves to complement his speed rush
- Can get washed out of plays at times when blockers get into his frame
- Tackling can be inconsistent, especially when having to change directions quickly
Scouting Report: Summary
Oben projects as a rotational edge defender with the potential to develop into a solid starter. His combination of prototypical size, improving technique, and expanding pass rush repertoire provide a strong foundation. While not an elite athlete, Oben's football IQ and steady production trajectory suggest room for growth at the next level.Scheme fit is crucial for Oben's success. He's best suited as a 4-3 defensive end where he can focus on getting upfield and pressuring the quarterback. His ability to set the edge adds value on early downs, making him a potential three-down player. As he refines his hand usage and develops a more diverse array of power moves, Oben could become a reliable contributor capable of consistently notching 5-7 sacks per season in a rotational role.
Oben's NFL transition will hinge on his ability to adapt to the increased speed and complexity of the pro game. His steady improvement throughout college and NFL pedigree suggest he may have untapped potential. While he's unlikely to become a dominant force off the edge, Oben has the makings of a solid professional who can be a valuable part of an NFL defensive line rotation for years to come. His floor appears to be a situational pass rusher, while his ceiling could be an above-average starter who outperforms his draft position. Expect Oben to be a mid-round selection with the tools and background to carve out a long-term role in the league.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (IND-FBS)
How other scouting services rate R.J. Oben (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
379.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
73.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.