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Azeez Ojulari, the former standout edge rusher for the Georgia Bulldogs, has officially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. Known for his explosive pass-rushing abilities, Ojulari’s move from the New York Giants to the Eagles represents not only a new chapter in his professional football journey but also a potential boost for the Eagles’ already dynamic defense. This move will likely have a wide-reaching impact, both for Ojulari’s individual development and for the Philadelphia Eagles, as they look to solidify their position as one of the most formidable teams in the NFL.

The Rise of Azeez Ojulari at Georgia

Azeez Ojulari’s journey to the NFL began in earnest during his time at the University of Georgia, where he quickly became one of the top edge rushers in college football. Ojulari arrived at Georgia in 2019 as part of a recruiting class that featured some of the nation’s best talent. From the very beginning, he showed promise as a pass-rushing dynamo, demonstrating the kind of burst, athleticism, and football IQ that would make him a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.

Throughout his three seasons at Georgia, Ojulari showcased his impressive blend of speed, strength, and technical ability. His 2019 season was marked by flashes of brilliance, and by his sophomore year in 2020, Ojulari emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the country. He registered 5.5 sacks during the 2020 season, cementing his reputation as one of the premier edge rushers in college football. His combination of explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and relentless motor made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Ojulari’s breakout season came in 2021, his junior year, where he helped lead Georgia’s defense to a national championship. He finished the season with 8.5 sacks, and his performances in critical games, including the SEC Championship against Alabama, only heightened his stock as an NFL prospect. Ojulari’s ability to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offensive schemes was key to Georgia’s success, and his versatility as a pass rusher made him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country.

Azeez Ojulari’s Transition to the NFL

After declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft, Ojulari was selected by the New York Giants in the second round, with the 50th overall pick. His potential as an immediate impact player was clear, and he was seen as a perfect fit for the Giants’ defense, which needed to bolster its pass-rushing unit. At the time, the Giants’ defense was in a transitional phase, and Ojulari’s youth, explosiveness, and ability to create havoc in the backfield were qualities that head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham could use to help turn things around.

Ojulari’s rookie season with the Giants was productive, albeit challenging. He posted a solid 8.0 sacks during his first year in the NFL, showing that his collegiate success could translate to the professional level. His combination of agility, quickness, and technique allowed him to develop into one of the Giants’ most promising defensive assets. Throughout the season, Ojulari showed consistency and a high motor, making him a key contributor in New York’s defensive schemes.

Despite his strong individual performances, the Giants as a team struggled to find success during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The team’s defensive line, while talented, was plagued by inconsistency, and the overall team performance limited the impact of players like Ojulari. Injuries also played a role in hampering the Giants’ defense at various points, further highlighting the need for a stronger, more consistent pass-rush presence.

After two seasons with the Giants, it became clear that Ojulari’s future in New York was uncertain. The team was undergoing a major overhaul, and the defense needed to retool to compete in the highly competitive NFC East. Despite his potential, Ojulari became expendable as the Giants shifted their focus toward rebuilding and making strategic moves in free agency to improve other areas of the roster.

Ojulari’s Move to Philadelphia

In March 2024, Azeez Ojulari signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that had been one of the most successful and dynamic teams in the NFL in recent years. The Eagles’ defense, which had already established itself as one of the league’s top units, was bolstered further by Ojulari’s arrival. His signing represented not only a chance for Ojulari to continue his development as a player but also a chance for the Eagles to further solidify their pass-rush capabilities.

From the Eagles’ perspective, signing Ojulari was a strategic move aimed at maintaining their competitive edge in the NFC East and beyond. The Eagles had already built one of the most complete rosters in the league, and Ojulari’s addition gave them even more depth and flexibility on defense. With a front-seven that already featured elite pass rushers such as Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Javon Hargrave, the addition of Ojulari created a fearsome group capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

The Fit in Philadelphia’s Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles run a defense that places a premium on versatility and rotational depth, particularly on the defensive line. Their defensive scheme, led by defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, emphasizes creating pressure on the quarterback through a variety of blitz packages and stunts, and Ojulari’s skill set is well-suited to this approach.

Ojulari’s ability to line up in multiple spots along the defensive front, combined with his speed and pass-rushing prowess, makes him an ideal fit in Philadelphia’s system. As a pure edge rusher, he can add to the already potent pass-rush rotation, providing fresh legs and dynamic energy as part of a defensive line that constantly keeps offensive lines guessing. His ability to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment makes him flexible, allowing Gannon to move him around and take advantage of mismatches against opposing offensive linemen.

One of the key advantages of Ojulari’s skill set is his relentless motor. His quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage allow him to put constant pressure on quarterbacks, even when they try to step up in the pocket. His flexibility and ability to bend around the edge make him a nightmare for tackles in one-on-one pass-rush situations. His football IQ and understanding of offensive schemes also help him anticipate plays and react accordingly, allowing him to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm and force turnovers.

By joining the Eagles, Ojulari will have the opportunity to learn from some of the NFL’s best pass rushers, including veterans like Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, who have combined for decades of experience in the league. These veterans, along with defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, will help Ojulari refine his technique and continue to develop into one of the league’s top edge rushers.

The Impact of Ojulari’s Arrival

Azeez Ojulari’s signing with the Eagles could have significant implications for both the player and the team moving forward. From Ojulari’s perspective, the move represents an opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the most talented and competitive rosters in the league. With a Super Bowl appearance just a season ago, the Eagles are a team that is built to win now, and Ojulari’s arrival bolsters their chances of competing for another championship.

For the Eagles, the addition of Ojulari strengthens their defensive line, which was already one of the best in the NFL. The rotation of Ojulari, Graham, Cox, and Hargrave will put significant pressure on opposing offenses, making it more difficult for quarterbacks to find rhythm or consistently execute plays. This will allow the secondary to thrive, as the constant pressure from the defensive line will give cornerbacks and safeties the opportunity to make plays on the ball. The more time a quarterback spends under pressure, the more likely mistakes will occur, leading to turnovers and negative plays.

With Ojulari in the fold, the Eagles will be able to deploy a defense that has the potential to dominate opponents on a weekly basis. The pass rush will be a major factor in neutralizing some of the NFC’s top quarterbacks, and the Eagles’ ability to generate consistent pressure will give their offense more opportunities to put points on the board.

Azeez Ojulari’s Potential Moving Forward

Azeez Ojulari is still a relatively young player with immense potential, and his time with the Philadelphia Eagles will likely be a period of growth and development. The Eagles are a team with high expectations, and Ojulari’s success will depend on his ability to acclimate to their defensive system and continue to develop his pass-rushing technique.

If Ojulari can build on his past success and continue to improve as a pass rusher, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the Eagles’ defense. His skill set, combined with the talent surrounding him, gives him an excellent opportunity to succeed at the highest level. For Ojulari, this move to Philadelphia could be the catalyst that propels him into the next stage of his career—one where he is consistently recognized as one of the top edge rushers in the NFL.