Mel Kiper says Texas pass-rusher Joseph Ossai is a top-25 prospect

AUSTIN, TX - APRIL 13: DE Joseph Ossai rushes the line during the Texas Longhorns spring game on April 13, 2019, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. shared some of his updated opinions on the crop of 2021 NFL draft prospects on Tuesday, and one nugget was especially interesting.

Following a three-sack, 12-tackle performance against Oklahoma State, Texas EDGE Joseph Ossai has moved into Kiper’s top-25 prospects.

“How impressive was Ossai in Saturday’s win over Oklahoma State?” Kiper wrote. “Not only did he end the game with a walk-off overtime sack, but he finished with three sacks, 12 tackles (six total tackles for loss) and a forced fumble. He was dominant off the edge. At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, Ossai has long arms and ideal size to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. The junior is a game-wrecker who has some versatility to drop back in coverage when needed — he had two interceptions last season. Still, it’s Ossai’s upside as a pass-rusher that will have him on my next Big Board of the top 25 prospects in this 2021 class.”

Ossai is part of an impressive class of pass-rushers that includes Miami’s Gregory Rousseau and Quincy Roche, and Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye. We could see as many as 10 pass rushers picked in the top 50.

Through six games this season, Ossai’s registered 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

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