Inside the Numbers: How Osa Odighizuwa has impressed in pre-season

Pre-Season is a time for the young players, specifically rookies, to get acclimated to the NFL game and flash as much as possible. Osa Odighizuwa has done just that and some. The 3rd round pick came in as an undersized defensive tackle with upside but was buried on the depth chart. Veterans Brent Urban, Trysten […]

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Jun 3, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (75) goes through drills during voluntary Organized Team Activities at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Pre-Season is a time for the young players, specifically rookies, to get acclimated to the NFL game and flash as much as possible. Osa Odighizuwa has done just that and some.

The 3rd round pick came in as an undersized defensive tackle with upside but was buried on the depth chart.

Veterans Brent Urban, Trysten Hill, and Neville Gallimore all seemingly had the upper hand heading into camp. Osa has been allowed to creep up the depth chart with the latter now out for an extended time. Deservingly so.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Osa has impressed in his 102 snaps lining up in multiple spots:

65 snaps at 3 tech

34 snaps as the 5 tech

3 snaps at nose tackle

He’s been able to turn those into 4 hurries on  57 pass-rush snaps, 4 tackles, and 4 stops per PFF.

Osa has been one of the most active players on the Cowboys' defense thus far showing a relentless motor even with leading the team in snaps.

The rookie touched on the importance of these snaps and keeping the position afloat until Gallimore returns.

I think it's going to help because I'm getting more reps with the starters and the ones," Odighizuwa said on Monday. "So I think that's going to help me progress – just got to hold it down and nut up until he gets back."

Two preseason games remain with no sign of Dallas addressing the position with anyone to threaten Odighizuwa. He may not be holding the position down for anyone but himself.

Feature image: © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports