2020 NFL DRAFT

The 2020 NFL draft is set for Thursday April 23rd  and several Africans are in the mix to be selected from round 1 right up to round 7. The names most likely to be announced include:

Day one selection

1st round 

CB Jeff Okudah- Ohio State- The defensive back of Nigerian heritage is a sure bet to be announced between picks 3 and 5 and the consensus top corner on all draft boards.

Day Two Selections

2nd round

CB Noah Igbinoghene- Auburn- Following Okudah will be Igbinoghene in the next round. Another DB of Nigerian heritage, Igbinoghene rocketed up draft boards after a great showing at the NFL combine and might even sneak into the late 1st round. 

DE Josh Uche- Michigan- The pass rusher from Michigan had himself a final season with the Wolverines after limited playing time previously. A rush hungry team will likely select the DE in the second round. 

DL Justin Madubuike-Texas A&M- Rounding up the list of those selected in the first two rounds will be another player of Nigerian heritage in Madubuike. A consistent player in the trenches for the Aggies during his three seasons at College Station, Madubuike will most likely be announced in the second round but could possibly drop to the third. 

3rd round

OT-Lucas Niang-TCU – The son of French citizens via Senegal, Niang was an exceptional right tackle during his time in Fort Worth as he didn’t allow a single sack or get flagged for a false start his entire playing career for the Horned Frogs. Concerns about the hip surgery he had which ended his college football career is the reason Niang will fall to the third round otherwise he might be a day one selection. 

OT- Prince Tega Wanogho-Auburn- The left tackle from Nigeria has impressed scouts and teams with his play as well as the story of his journey to America and the gridiron.  Another exceptional athlete at the offensive tackle position much like Niang, Wanogho could possibly go in the second round but if not, it is doubtful teams will let him fall past the third round. 

CB- Michael Ojemudia- Iowa- A rangy and patient defensive back, Ojemudia excels in zone coverage and with the right team and scheme, the Nigerian-American might mature into a vital starter in the league. A 3rd round pick but could also fall to the fourth round. 

DE- Julian Okwara- Notre Dame- The younger brother of Detroit Lions DE Romeo Okwara, Julian played all four years at South Bend and impressed scouts with his speed which he was unable to show at the combine due to a broken leg which ended his senior season. A late first or early second round pick if he could have participated fully at the combine, the team which selects the younger Okwara will be getting a steal of a pass rusher in the third round.

Day Three selections

4th Round

TE-Albert Okwuegbunam-Missouri

OT- Hakeem Adeniji- Kansas

G Michael Onwenu- Michigan

G Cordel Iwuagwu- TCU

CB Essang Bassey – Wake Forest

RB Eno Benjamin- Arizona State

DE Oluwole Betiku- Illinois