Mike's Beer Bar War Room: Ogunjobi brings a different skill set to D-line

The Steelers' latest big roster move was the signing of Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year contract last week. The one-year deal is laden with incentives, so there is little risk for the team. And, of course, it came after Stephon Tuitt decided to retire, providing an immediate replacement. 

What are they getting in Ogunjobi?

Let’s begin with his background. He didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year in high school. Like Alex Highsmith, Ogunjobi played his college ball at Charlotte, where he started every game and never missed time. He mostly lined up over the center in Charlotte’s three-man front, but don’t think for a minute Ogunjobi resembles Casey Hampton or Joel Steed in terms of his style of play. 

And if Ogunjobi would have been at Ohio State or Alabama, he surely would not have been playing as much nose tackle. During his four years in college, Ogunjobi, despite constant double-teams, accumulated 13 sacks. But maybe more importantly and impressive were his 49 tackles for loss. Ogunjobi is a disruptor. He makes plays in the opponent’s backfield. That is the key to this player. 

Ogunjobi’s showing at the Senior Bowl was quite impressive, which is instrumental for a small-school prospect. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ogunjobi measured in at 6 feet, 2 5/8 inches, and 305 pounds. He looks a little heavier than that now, but it is noteworthy that Ogunjobi does not have the typical dimensions of Steelers defensive linemen, either at nose tackle or defensive end in their 3-4 scheme. 

Dick LeBeau’s defense wouldn’t have been overly interested in Ogunjobi -- or DeMarvin Leal for that matter. The Steelers are no longer pigeonholed with the type of big men they look for on defense. That cannot be stressed enough in this conversation. 

At the NFL Combine in 2017, Ogunjobi’s athletic testing was more than fine, but it wasn’t exceptional. His professional tape shows a quicker and more explosive athlete than those prior testing numbers. This is not a two-gapping player that is over 6-foot-4 with long arms in the Brett Keisel or Aaron Smith mold. 

The Browns selected Ogunjobi with the 65th pick overall in 2017, and he played out his four-year rookie contract there. 

With Cleveland, Ogunjobi missed just three games and had 14.5 sacks and 180 tackles. That showing was good enough to earn Ogunjobi a $6.2 million contract still within the AFC North with the Bengals with a $4.6-million signing bonus. 

With the Bengals, Ogunjobi took his level of play up a notch in a more stable environment. As part of a strong Bengals defense, Ogunjobi had his best year and finished the 2021 season with seven sacks and another 49 tackles. Unfortunately for Ogunjobi and his future earnings, he injured his foot in the wild card round. Cincinnati of course went on to lose the Super Bowl to the Rams, but without Ogunjobi. 

When the Bears and Ogunjobi agreed to a three-year contract worth $40.5 million, including $26.35 million guaranteed at the opening of the NFL’s free agent frenzy, few batted an eye. That contract seemed very much in line with Ogunjobi’s true value as a 28-year-old with five years of NFL experience under his belt. 

That is the type of contract Ogunjobi deserves and is truly worth. And, who knows, he might get another such deal after the 2022 season. Of course, that contract with Chicago was never fulfilled, as Ogunjobi’s foot injury led to a failed physical. 

The Steelers feel the foot injury is progressing well three months after that Bears contract fell through. And there are promising reports Ogunjobi should be ready for training camp. 

In his five seasons, Ogunjobi has faced the Steelers 11 times, including Cleveland’s wild card playoff win in Pittsburgh in 2020. The Steelers are very familiar with Ogunjobi’s work and how difficult he is to play against. 

There are inconsistencies to Ogunjobi’s game, and he is a better interior pass-rusher than he is defending the run. That isn’t to imply that he is a poor run defender. He is not. But Ogunjobi is more of a disruptor and attacker than he is a pure stay-at-home run player. And that suits today’s NFL very well:

Many of you are probably asking though: How does this help the Steelers run defense issues from last year? And can’t the same concern be addressed with the drafting of Leal? 

First off, having quality defensive linemen with a variety of skillsets give the Steelers a lot of options up front on defense. They can mix and match who they use based on opponent or how each game is going. 

Playing against Baltimore is much different that playing against Cincinnati. 

Secondly, and this is subject to change if injuries ensue, this defensive line now has excellent depth, and should be able to much better keep top players fresh late in games and late in the season. That will greatly aid the run defense. 

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers defensive line almost operated like hockey lines with a solid rotation of three, but mostly two-man, looks in their nickel and dime packages. And Ogunjobi profiles as the starter next to Cameron Heyward, who might get a little taken off his plate this year. 

In their three-man front, Ogunjobi likely will be the top defensive end opposite Heyward with Tyson Alualu back at the nose. 

Lastly, concerning the run defense, penetration is the biggest enemy of a run game. Ogunjobi has proven to be a consistent penetrating big man who disrupts the flow of offensive play designs. 

Ogunjobi is quick off the ball and plays the game with very good leverage. He is thickly built and is difficult for offensive guards to get their hands on. 

Ogunjobi has a low center of gravity and runs well in pursuit, something that is instrumental for Steelers defensive linemen. He has big strong hands as well as good lower body bend and flexibility. He just doesn't have overly long arms. 

His body has improved since his rookie season. Again, this is a much different style of defensive linemen than Steelers fans have become accustomed to, and that is by design. 

Ogunjobi also is very intelligent and has improved as a player throughout his career. As evidenced by his double major in computer science and biology at Charlotte, Ogunjobi is a smart young man with a future off the field if he so chooses. 

Ogunjobi looked like a free agent the Steelers might want to consider giving a contract longer than a one-year deal. He is improving and has a lot of football left. 

Now, that isn’t to suggest that Ogunjobi will be one-and-done in Pittsburgh. The Steelers certainly can figure out a way to keep him after this year if they so choose. But it is also noteworthy that it is conceivable Ogunjobi plays well in 2022, hits the free agency market, and gets a contract much like the one he agreed to with Chicago, which would likely yield the Steelers a significant compensatory draft pick. 

This is a move that makes a lot of sense for both the Steelers and Ogunjobi. The team got a disruptive player at somewhat of a discount, and Ogunjobi gets a great opportunity to show the league what he is capable of while surrounded by stars such as Heyward and T.J. Watt in what is now an aggressive upfield defensive scheme. 

He just isn’t a carbon copy of Steelers defensive linemen you have been accustomed to watching.