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Redskins UDFA Spotlight: Can Chidi Okeke help to replace Ty Nsekhe?

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 13: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins and teammate tackle Morgan Moses #76 walk onto the field prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 13: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins and teammate tackle Morgan Moses #76 walk onto the field prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins Nike cleat and helmet is seen on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 21: A Washington Redskins Nike cleat and helmet is seen on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

What Okeke can improve

Okeke’s biggest weakness is that he is still raw. While he got some development in at Tennessee State, he still needs to get more reps, and it may be a year or two before he’s a solid tackle at the NFL level.

On tape, Okeke showcases a lack of balance and some technique that needs refinement. His balance isn’t great, and as a result, he has trouble engaging with blockers and staying upright. It’s clear that he is still learning the fundamentals of the position, but this is to be expected of a player who was late to the game as a two-year starter at an FCS school.

Additionally, Okeke will need to bulk up a bit for the NFL. He has a nice frame (6-5, 317 pounds) but he has to add some functional strength. He has enough to get by, but if he wants to win at the point of attack with strength, he will need to add about 10 pounds of muscle.

With time to develop, Okeke could be solid. He will be able to find that time on a practice squad or as a fourth tackle on a roster, provided that he can impress enough in the offseason.

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