NFL Draft 2018: Eagles will host Chukwuma Okorafor on a visit in Philadelphia

Western Michigan offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor is one of 30 2018 NFL Draft prospects who will meet with the Eagles in Philadelphia for an official pre-draft visit, according to Chris Burke.

Burke also notes Eagles offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland put Okorafor through positional drills at his pro day. In addition to that, Okorafor is one of the 60 prospects the Eagles formally interviewed at the 2018 NFL Combine. The team is clearly doing their homework on him.

Okorafor lived in Africa his entire life before coming to the United States in 2010. He didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. Okorafor ended up at Western Michigan for college. He started at right tackle during his sophomore season before playing at left tackle the next two years.

The 6-6, 320 pound Okorafor boasts good physical measurements. His athletic testing wasn’t particularly impressive, however.

Perhaps Stoutland feels like he can coach up Okorafor to be an eventual starter when Jason Peters finally retires.

The only problem is Okorafor projects to be a Day 2 pick and the Eagles currently don’t have any of those. (Not to mention his name is way too similar to Jahlil Okafor, which is a red flag.)

Here’s what BGN draft writer Ben Natan had to say about him.

At 6’6” and 330 pounds; Chukwuma Okorafor is a humungous presence on the perimeter of a line. While he is a bit slow footed for the position; his combination of arm length, strength and play style makes him the exact type of nasty you want in the run game.

Scouting report from NFL.com:

Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3

Sources Tell Us: “He got started in football a little late but I still think he should have some of these issues cleaned up by now. He’s big and he has talent so he’s probably going to play early on.” -- NFC team executive

NFL Comparison: Donovan Smith

Bottom Line: Okorafor’s size and potential will likely get him drafted earlier than where the tape says he should go. While he has plus physical traits, inconsistencies with balance and instincts could be a challenge to correct. He has the feet to handle speed rushers, but multi-move rushers could eat his lunch early on. If Okorafor improves his footwork and technique issues, he’ll be a quality NFL starter at either tackle spot.

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor

Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain - [Click here]

Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch - [Click here]

Stanford S Justin Reid - [Click here]

LSU RB Derrius Guice - [Click here]

LSU CB Donte Jackson - [Click here]