Joseph Ossai

Ossai is a high motor player with a tremendous ceiling in the NFL. He's a big framed EDGE defender that has a very strong lower body. He needs to improve on his hand usage and stringing together pass rush moves or rushing with a purpose, but he was dominant in the Big-12 even without this refinement. Great first step explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and can easily get around slow-footed tackles. Fantastic in run defense. Always has his eyes in the backfield and is working to set himself up to make a play on the ball. A tough player and rises to the occasion in big moments. Had a walk-off sack against Oklahoma State in 2020. Good tackler and able to wrap up well while still delivering a shot. Smart player and instinctive, but still shows enough room for improvement that he's worth a significant investment. Shows good bend around the edge and can really become a dangerous speed rusher if he can develop refined pass rush moves to compliment. Ossai has the versatility to be a 4-3 hand in the dirt player or a stand up 3-4 that can drop into coverage. He's a high floor player, but he also comes with room to grow and improve.

Joseph Ossai selected No. 69 by Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have selected linebacker Joseph Ossai with the No. 69 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Ossai is an outside linebacker out of Texas and should find his way into the Bengals rotation immediately. He typically plays off the edge with his hand in the dirt and uses his big 6'4" frame to bully opposing offensive lines.