Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Could Offer Steelers Intriguing Attributes

North Carolina's Dazz Newsome (5) is forced out of bounds by Notre Dame's Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) after a pass reception from quarterback Sam Howell for a gain five-yard in the fourth quarter on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The pro day circuit is in full force. Across all of these pro days, it is not often that scouts will find a unicorn on the road. A prospect that is so unlike anyone else, they need their own little subsection. For NFL scouts this draft cycle, that unicorn is Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

The Butkus Award Winner was a freak of nature for the Fighting Irish in 2020. Owusu-Koramoah can be described as a sub-package linebacker, Weakside linebacker, box safety, and slot cornerback all in one player. There is no certain NFL position for a guy like this. He is reminiscent of Isaiah Simmons in some ways, but Owusu-Koramoah has a natural projection as a coverage specialist. Still, NFL teams have given Owusu-Koramoah significant positional feedback.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of linebacker primarily,” Owusu-Koramoah said. “The closer to the ball I am, I’m happy. I’ve heard dual positions as well. Speaking on sub-packages and third down, and certain things like that.”

Owusu-Koramoah has met with the Steelers. While he did not give specific indications on who he met with inside the Steelers organization, Owusu-Koramoah’s skillset is especially interesting because of his versatility. He has played more slot cornerback than anywhere else, and Owusu-Koramoah could fill that role along with being Devin Bush’s partner in crime. However, Owusu-Koramoah’s adeptness in man coverage is what he considers one of his greatest strengths.

“Playing a lot in man coverage this season really helped me,” Owusu-Koramoah said. “I love a challenge. I’ll cover a receiver, tight end, running back, I don’t care. I have that experience.”

The Steelers have had trouble with their linebackers getting put in mismatches for years. They play base personnel against heavier sets, and that is something that been exploited by numerous teams. Owusu-Koramoah eliminates that weakness by virtue of his coverage ability.

Of course, the concern with Owusu-Koramoah is his run defense. He is a little light and essentially a hybrid linebacker and safety. However, it is a skillset that would be valuable to Pittsburgh and the fit is very natural for both sides.

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