Chargers News: LA Gifted International DL Through Random Draw

It is not everyday that an NFL franchise will randomly get selected to take on the talent that a top international prospect standing at 6'6 offers. However, it looks like it was the Los Angeles Chargers' lucky day as they welcomed in Basil Chijioke Okoye through the International Pathway Program on Thursday.

Okoye also refers to himself as CJ and was among the top football prospects coming out of Nigeria. He was first discovered by top scouts thanks to his appearance at the 2022 NFL Africa Camp and he blew them away thanks to his physical attributes and test scores.

Basil ‘CJ’ Chijioke Okoye OL 🇳🇬

The 20-year old was one of the top prospects at the Combine, after winning mvp of the NFL Africa camp in 🇬🇭 this spring

The 6’6 315lb former hooper showed great feet & power, along with surprisingly good technique given his limited 🏈 XP #nfl pic.twitter.com/b85KhMW2c7
— American Football International (@AFIReview) October 5, 2022

Despite being so tall and weighing in at 315 lbs, CJ was still able to record a vertical leap of 34.5 inches and keep up with some of the fastest players that were also participating in the combine. Much of his weight is made up of muscle and he was able to move the strongest players pretty easily as well.

Playing another sport in the past likely played a role in him performing so well.

"A former high level basketball player in

Nigeria

, ‘CJ’ showed a rare acceleration, quick feet, and surprisingly good technique for a player with little football experience. Like many of his countrymen, he has never played an official game of football before, however, his athletic ceiling was among the highest of any athlete at the

London

combine

."

(Via AFI)

It's amazing to see him get his first opportunity with a Chargers squad that are welcoming in other young players as well. Fans are hoping he makes the final roster because of how much potential he's shown already and due to how he randomly ended up with the organization.

The Chargers have added Basil Chijioke Okoye to the roster, a 21-year old defensive lineman from Nigeria, who is part of the NFL's international player pathway program.

The AFC West and NFC North received players from the program in a random draw.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) May 4, 2023

NFL International Player Pathway spotlight: Basil ‘CJ’ Chijioke Okoye, OL, Nigeria 🇳🇬

The NFL Africa camp MVP will join the @chargers https://t.co/BA9iSoK1E9 pic.twitter.com/Y7F6i5wk7n
— American Football International (@AFIReview) May 4, 2023

CJ could prove to be an important of the defensive line as the years go on and he has joined an excellent franchise to help him get there.