Moro Ojomo's Opportunity Knocks: From Late-Round Pick to Key Defensive Lineman
Moro Ojomo's journey with the Philadelphia Eagles is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to seize opportunities. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Ojomo initially seemed like a long shot to make a significant impact. Selected as the 249th overall pick, his arrival was overshadowed by the earlier selection of Jordan Davis in the first round of the 2022 draft.
However, last season saw Ojomo surprisingly match Davis's snap percentage, both clocking in at 37%. Only Jalen Carter, who dominated with over 90% of defensive snaps in the majority of games, and Milton Williams, at 48%, played more. Now, with Williams' departure to the New England Patriots via a substantial free agent contract, the door has swung wide open for Ojomo to take on an even larger role in the Eagles' defensive scheme.
Replacing Williams: A Task for Internal Talent
The Eagles are confident in their ability to fill the void left by Williams' departure with existing talent. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has expressed faith in the players already on the roster, along with the addition of rookie fourth-round pick Ty Robinson. The spotlight, however, shines brightest on Davis and Ojomo, who are expected to absorb the bulk of Williams' vacated snaps.
Carter's Confidence in Ojomo
Jalen Carter has publicly voiced his support for Ojomo's readiness to step up. "Moro's been ready," Carter stated, emphasizing Ojomo's consistent presence and contributions, even if they haven't always translated into highlight-reel plays. Carter highlighted Ojomo's one-on-one pass-rushing abilities, urging observers to recognize his consistent effort and potential impact.
Ojomo: A Rising Star
Ojomo represents the latest success story in the Eagles' history of identifying and developing talent from late-round draft picks. The team has a proven track record of finding valuable contributors beyond the early rounds, with examples like center Jason Kelce (sixth round, 2011), safety Jalen Mills (seventh round, 2016), and left tackle Jordan Mailata (2018). This history has instilled confidence in the organization's ability to evaluate and cultivate players, regardless of their draft position.
The Eagles' decision not to pursue a veteran defensive tackle in free agency or via trade further underscores their belief in Ojomo's potential. Fangio has clearly stated that the team intends to replace Williams' snaps with players already on the roster, supplemented by the addition of Robinson.
Ojomo's Strengths as a Pass Rusher
While Davis is known for his run-stopping prowess, Ojomo offers a different dimension to the Eagles' defensive line. He is viewed as a more natural pass rusher, similar to Williams. This versatility is crucial for the Eagles' defensive strategy, providing them with flexibility and the ability to adapt to various offensive schemes.
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight
Ojomo's path to increased playing time has been gradual. As a rookie in 2023, he found himself behind a formidable defensive line that included Carter, Davis, Williams, and the legendary Fletcher Cox. Consequently, he saw limited action, playing just 6% of the team's defensive snaps.
Following Cox's retirement, Ojomo's opportunities steadily increased throughout the 2024 season. He recorded his first career sack in the playoffs against the Rams, signaling his growing confidence and impact on the field.
Advanced Metrics Highlight Ojomo's Potential
Advanced metrics further support the notion that Ojomo is on the verge of a breakout season. According to Pro Football Focus, Ojomo ranked second in pass rush win rate, trailing only Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs. This statistic demonstrates Ojomo's ability to consistently beat his blockers and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
With Carter likely to face frequent double-teams, Ojomo's ability to win one-on-one matchups will be critical for the Eagles' defense. His success in these situations will not only disrupt opposing offenses but also create opportunities for Carter and other defensive players to make plays.
Ready for a Bigger Role
Ojomo himself is eager to embrace the challenge of an expanded role. He acknowledged the importance of continuous improvement and expressed his desire to follow in Williams' footsteps by taking a significant leap forward in his career.
"Just having the opportunity to play the run, play the pass, get more reps and grow in my second year was really cool," Ojomo said. "I just want to keep furthering that development."
When asked if he was ready for an even bigger role, Ojomo responded with unwavering confidence: "Yeah, 100 percent. The goal is to always improve and keep climbing. Milt took that step, and I want to take that step in my career as well."
The Eagles are counting on Ojomo to fulfill his potential and become a key contributor to their defense. His journey from a late-round pick to a potential rising star is a compelling narrative of hard work, dedication, and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Ojomo is poised to make a significant impact and solidify his place as a valuable asset for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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