Fifth Round
Victor Ochi, Defensive End, Stony Brook
I can hear the snickering now. A 6’2” (in cleats) defensive end from Stony Brook?! I’ve seen two of Ochi’s game tapes and love his explosion off the snap and ability to consistently get his inside shoulder under and/or around the offensive tackle. Like Dwight Freeney or Elvis Dumervil, he understands how to use his lack of height as an advantage.
As noted by Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider, Ochi is having a strong season despite playing for an unsuccessful team:
"Entering the year scouts stamped Ochi a day three pick as teams love his pass rushing skill and ability to disrupt the action. Ochi is quick off the snap, fast up the field and plays with a vicious style. He’s relentless in pursuit and attacks opposing ball handlers. Against Maine he recorded 2 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, bringing his season totals to 5 and 12.5 respectively."
Expect to see Ochi at the Shrine Game in St. Petersburg in January, with the potential to move up to the Senior Bowl the following week as well. He’s a potential steal and a far more polished product with better upside than the last small-school edge rusher Detroit tabbed, Larry Webster.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions have a second fifth-round pick as part of the Manny Ramirez trade. That pick goes to Florida tight end Jake McGee, an inline presence who excels at chipping and releasing into short routes. His run blocking represents a major upgrade over Tim Wright.
McGee has some injury history, missing his first season at Florida after transferring from Virginia. It will be interesting to see how he tests in workouts, as his athleticism falls into the “sneaky” category on the field. At Virginia he played in the slot quite a bit, showing some seam-stretching speed.
Next: A Double Shot of Defense