Newest Cardinals Draft Pick BJ Ojulari Wants to Make Impact Right Away
TEMPE -- The Arizona Cardinals have made their second selection of the 2023 NFL Draft in LSU edge defender BJ Ojulari.
The Cardinals traded back with the Tennessee Titans before selecting Ojulari at Pick 41. Ojulari says he really didn't know where he was going to end up.
"To be honest, everything was really up in the air," he told local reporters following his selection. "I know I had a great meeting with them at the combine. So that was definitely on my radar. But it was definitely surprising for them to come pick me and I'm very grateful for that … Surreal, especially just seeing that Arizona area code pop up on my phone. I almost just went into shock. Like it wasn't real."
Ojulari - standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 248 pounds - earned a pass-rush grade of 83/100 from Pro Football Focus last season. He logged nine sacks, 14 quarterback hits and 26 hurries for LSU last season.
"I think I do a great job using my ability and athleticism to get the edge, set the edge, create plays in the backfield and disrupt the quarterback. I think I do a great job causing havoc in the backfield, create TFLs and movement along the line as well," Ojulari said.
The Cardinals told Ojulari they liked his ability to take over games, something their front seven will need at the next level after losing guys such as J.J. Watt, Zach Allen and Markus Golden in the offseason.
Ojulari donned No. 18 for LSU last season, passed down to players who exhibit outstanding traits on and off the field.
"Number 18 meant a lot to me, just [in terms of] my legacy, especially coming to LSU being a Georgia boy," he said. "Going to LSU, creating my legacy, being able to represent the state of Louisiana and wear that number 18 is just a big testament to me and how I carry myself and my character."
When it comes to making an impact, Ojulari wants to come to Arizona instantly and leave his mark.
"I definitely want to come in and be able to contribute immediately. Get in with the coaches, learn from the best and just contribute any way that I can to the team so we can win these football game and compete for a championship," he said.
"I know Kyler Murray. They just got Paris Johnson, so I'm definitely excited just to be paired up with him ... We have a good relationship so it's gonna be a good time. Iron sharpens iron."
Ojulari logged nearly identical snaps at both left and right outside linebacker for LSU last season with 17 snaps as a slot corner last year as well.
"I think the possibilities are endless," Ojulari said in terms of where he sees himself fitting. "I think I'm so versatile, that they could put me anywhere and I can be able to produce. I'm very versatile and I just want to come in and be able to contribute."
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