Chukwuma Okorafor

The NFL has increasingly become a truly global game with top prospects in recent years hailing from far-away places such as Ghana (Ziggy Ansah), Nigeria (Osi Umenyiora), Germany (Sebastian Vollmer) and Estonia (Marghus Hunt), among other places. Okorafor is hoping to add Botswana to the list. He and his family immigrated to American in 2010. As one might expect, it did not take long for football coaches to notice the young but already massive athlete suddenly roaming the hallways. Okorafor quickly became well known to college recruiters across the country but then-Western Michigan head coach P.J. Fleck convinced him to stay within the state. Okorafor wasted no time in making an impression, playing in all 12 games his freshman season and starting all 13 at right tackle a year later. Okorafor made the switch to left tackle as a junior and teamed with the equally monstrous 6-5, 319 pound Taylor Moton to give the Broncos one of the best sets of bookend tackles in all of college football. The Broncos averaged 228.1 rushing yards per game in 2016, good for 24th in the country. They also rushed for 36 touchdowns on the season. Moton, who started all year at right tackle and wound up earning an invitation to the Senior Bowl, was selected 64th overall in the 2017 draft by Carolina - a grade that Okorafor may end up beating after earning First Team All-MAC honors on the blindside the past two seasons and himself earning a trip to Mobile this winter. Though it is true that Western Michigan did not face the week-in, week-out level of competition of Power Five programs, scouts have plenty of tape of Okorafor against top talent with matchups against Ohio State, Michigan State (twice), Illinois, Wisconsin and Southern Cal over the past three years. Okorafor has undeniable NFL traits with intriguing movement skills for a player his size and length. He remains fundamentally raw, however, often getting a late, passive punch on edge rushers and rarely dominating opponents - even those from the MAC - as much as he should. With a solid showing in Mobile, however, Okorafor could join former teammates Moton and wide receiver Corey Davis (Titans, No. 5 overall) as a top 64 selection, setting a standard for NFL prospects never before seen at Western Michigan. BACKGROUND Born in Botswana and only immigrated into America with his family in 2010. A soccer player throughout his youth in Botswana, Okorafor first found himself playing football as a sophomore in high school, moving from kicker to the offensive line. Earned All-American accolades as a prep senior and recruiting interest from the likes of Michigan, Oklahoma and Florida, among others. Was only 17 years old when he first played at Western Michigan. Goes by "Chukes."

in our view

Okorafor has the light feet and long arms every scout is looking for in a potential left tackle but he plays passively, lacking a consistently physical punch and a finishing mentality. He is gifted (and experienced) enough to warrant a Day Two selection and with a little more glass added to his diet, could "surprise" as a future starter.

strengths

Physically imposing player with broad shoulders, long arms and an evenly distributed muscle mass with little to no extra flab around the middle and a thick lower half. Impressive initial quickness for a man of his size, showing the light feet, agility and balance to remain at left tackle in the NFL. Doesn't have to stand up to move left, keeping his knees bent and butt down with proper technique while easily sliding to mirror speed rushers and using his long arms to extend the arc. Remains balanced against counter moves back inside, including spins and bull rushes, showing good core flexibility and strength to anchor. Impressive agility to pull and climb to the second level, including the ability to adjust to moving targets once there. Experienced at both tackle positions. Durable performer with no known injuries to this point in his career over 51 career games, including 39 consecutive starts. - Rob Rang 12/9/2017

compares to

Ty Sambrailo, Atlanta Falcons. Sambrailo was admittedly more technically advanced when the Denver Broncos made the former Colorado State Ram the 59th overall pick in 2015. One of the concerns about his game, however, was a lack of functional strength despite his imposing 6-6, 311 pound frame - perhaps one of the reasons the Broncos shipped the swing tackle to Atlanta prior to the 2017 season.

weaknesses

Too often is the nail rather than the hammer, absorbing blows from defenders rather than imposing his will on smaller opponents. Fails to generate consistent movement at the point of attack, showing a lack of either brute strength or desire to get nasty and push the pile. Inconsistent and too often inaccurate hand placement, allowing his big mitts to get too high or outside of the numbers and letting defenders slip free. While quick to the second level, Okorafor shows limited instincts once there, struggling to anticipate where linebackers are headed and failing to pick up a secondary target if he misses his primary. -- Rob Rang 12/9/2017

Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, ESPN/Scouts.com and 247sports.com

Ranked as 11th best recruit in the state of Michigan

Named All-American in 2013.

Brother attends Western Michigan

Goes by Chukes.