2019 NFL Draft Scouting Reports: Chuma Edoga still has a lot to prove

Soon-to-be former USC Trojans offensive tackle Chuma Edoga held his Pro-Day on Wednesday, along with the rest of the Trojans who have declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Chuma Edoga is aiming to build upon a promising Senior Bowl performance, in which he displayed improved footwork and strength against some of the nation’s top edge rushing prospects. Following a relatively uninspiring combine performance which saw Edoga clock a 5.19 second 40-yard dash, the Trojan tackle certainly was counting on an impressive pro-day to solidify his draft profile, and improve upon most nationwide projections, which have him slotted in as a day three pick in the later rounds.

Most notably, Edoga, who played the 2018 season at around 295 pounds, weighed in at 315 on Wednesday, meaning that he has put on 20 pounds in this offseason alone. This is a promising development for Edoga, as his size has previously been met with serious scrutiny by scouts, especially for someone who aims to play tackle in the NFL.

Following his 2018 season, there was speculation that Edoga might have to possibly move to an interior position on the line to make an NFL roster, likely as a guard, rather than his natural position of tackle. However, many of these criticisms have been put to bed in recent weeks as Edoga has began to “look the part” of an NFL offensive tackle.

Despite not recording a 40-yard dash time or a bench press set on Wednesday, Edoga did attempt to showcase his mobility and athleticism in the broad and vertical jumps, which would certainly be a promising sign for scouts in attendance. Unfortunately, Edoga recorded a 24.5 inch vertical, which would have placed him at 38 out of the 40 lineman that recorded a jump at the combine. A pleasant surprise for Edoga on the day was his broad jump mark of nine feet (108 inches), which puts Edoga in the upper echelon of qualified linemen, and certainly improves his profile, after not recording a jump at the combine.

Although Edoga’s technique and intangibles still remain in question, he remains an experienced prospect, who proved to be a durable, reliable body on the line, recording an impressive 44 appearances in four seasons with the Trojans, and only allowing six total QB pressures in the 2018 season, which was fewest among all returning tackles in the Pac-12, according to Pro Football Focus.

Edoga and his fellow Trojans will hope to hear their names called beginning Thursday, April 25 at the 2019 NFL Draft.