:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12282651/20120929_jel_ax4_421.0.jpg)
Day 3 of the NFL Draft started of with a bang, as the Philadelphia Eagles traded up and drafted quarterback Matt Barkley. The Arizona Cardinals used the first of two fourth round selections, taking defensive end Alex Okafor out of Texas.
Okafor is 6-4 1/2, 265 pounds played four years at Texas, where he was a teammate of Cardinals starting linebacker Sam Acho.
The ESPN broadcast projects that Okafor will step in eventually for Darnell Dockett and play on the defensive line.
In 2012, Okafor had 54 tackles. He had 16.5 tackles for losses and 12.5 sacks.
Okafor already possesses NFL size and length. He even has room to grow. Alex makes good use of his hands, displaying the ability to keep his opponents hands away from his chest. Has multiple moves, including an effective arm-over swim move as well as a high motor. His best asset is his power. He has the ability to knock his opponents on their heels using a powerful punch and arm extension taking linemen into the backfield.
Okafor gets off the ball quite well and will challenge the upside shoulder of Right Tackles and countermoves with an inside step to get into the B-gap. He can get low to swallow Running Backs coming into his area and stop quickly to rein in quarterbacks before they step out of the pocket. Sets the edge nicely as a run defender and hustles to the sideline and downfield to chase ballcarriers.
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.