Ugo Amadi NFL Draft Sleeper

 

“I have the speed, the power, the brains, I can do anything.”

Ugo Amadi

This may sound like a bold statement, even cocky, but the man who said it is anything but. He’s also correct in his self assessment. With that intro out of the way, let’s take a deep dive into Oregon defensive back and punt returner Ugo Amadi.  

Measurables

 

First, let’s take a look at the raw numbers. Amadi measured in at 5’9 and 3/8 inches and 199 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds. He put up 18 reps at 225 on the bench. Amadi had a vertical jump of 32.5 inches and a broad jump of 115 inches. The Duck did the 3 cone in 7.21 seconds and the 20 yard shuttle in 4.19 seconds. Two things stood out about his workouts, he was smooth in transition. This is something NFL teams really pay attention to as ability to change direction is incredibly important in the defensive backfield. He also ran the 40 a little slower than he was hoping to. I am interested to see what his pro day 40 will be. I expect it to be lower. However, even if it isn’t, the film on him shows that he plays plenty fast.

Interview

I was able to spend about 20 minutes at the Combine with Amadi covering a wide range of topics. In all of his conversations, Amadi comes across as a humble man who is as worried about how he is viewed off the field as on it.  Amadi’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths. He started off his career at corner and moved to safety. Amadi was also an excellent punt returner and played coverage on punt and kick returns. He thinks his skills model Tyrann Mathieu, and he takes great pride in playing every position that Mathieu plays.

Position/Teams

When asked what position he would like to play at the next level, Amadi said he would like to be a slot or a nickel corner as well as a punt returner. He specifically mentioned speaking to the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins about his punt returning ability. These were the teams he specifically mentioned when talking about punt returns. He also said that he has met with all 32 NFL teams. Amadi also stated that while he played more zone as a safety, he is comfortable in either man or zone schemes. He pointed out that eventually every coverage turns into man.

 

One of the more interesting questions Amadi was asked by a team was whether he would rather be a starting nickel cornerback or an all pro specialist. Amadi revealed a lot about himself in the answer by saying he would rather be an all pro specialist. He said there are only two all pro specialists and anyone can be a starting nickel corner. He also spoke about the importance of special team plays in changing a game and how special teams only gets one down to be successful.

Training

Amadi has spent this offseason training in San Clemente. He received invites to all three all-star games, but chose not to attend in order to give his right hip time to heal. The injury was more of a nagging problem and he wanted to make sure he was as healthy as possible for the Combine. None of the intense poking and prodding at the Combine revealed any injuries.

 

According to Amadi, coaches like that he has a high football IQ and that he knows a lot of different coverages. He was able to adapt well to a new defensive scheme. As Jim Leavitt was brought on as Oregon’s new defensive coordinator. Amadi wants to show coaches that he can do everything, and that he is a good person.

Film

It has been brought to my attention I didn’t talk about what I saw out of Amadi on film. I only wrote the insights I gained through my interview with him. I already mentioned he an explosive punt returner, so I don’t have anything more to add to that. He will best be suited at safety, as he’s a little under 5’10”. Also, he may not run a 4.4 at his upcoming pro day. What I see in Amadi is a talented pass defender who is a very smart player. He is always moving to where the ball is being thrown, he reads plays very well. He is also talented at undercutting routes to make a play. However this can lead to him getting beat.

 

In my opinion, someone is getting a steal with Amadi. If your team drafts him, he will make the final roster based on his special teams ability alone. Amadi is much more than a special teamer. Even though he does take great pride in his abilities. His versatility, athleticism, high football IQ and high character will lead to him seeing time on defense. He’s likely a fourth to sixth round draft pick, but I would be comfortable taking him as early as the third. He’s a player, a gamer, he will contribute to an NFL team’s success in 2019.

Prediction

Draft Dive’s Grade: 3rd Round, contributes immediately on special teams, sees defensive field in at least sub packages his rookie year.

 

Likely Landing Spots: Wide open but keep an eye on his hometown Tennessee Titans, they were the first team to meet with him.

Look for other University of Oregon scouting reports