Former Auburn LB Owen Pappoe drafted No. 168 overall to the Arizona Cardinals
Former Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe has been drafted No. 168 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
After a prolific Auburn career, Pappoe has made his mark on Auburn by becoming the next Tiger to be drafted by the NFL.
An injury, position changes, and high expectations from being a former 5-star recruit surrounded Pappoe during his time at Auburn, but he ended on a strong note.
Pappoe at Auburn
In 2019, Pappoe was first seen playing significantly against Oregon in the season opening win. He had 5 total tackles and knocked down a pass. He would finish his freshman season with 49 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 pass break ups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Pappoe was named a midseason FWAA freshman All-American.
Pappoe broke out in 2020 as a sophomore. He had 93 tackles, 4 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception after making the preseason 2nd team All-SEC team.
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In 2021, before his injury, Pappoe was selected to Lindy’s 1st team All-SEC in the preseason. He then would record 23 tackles in 5 games as a junior.
As a senior with one regular season game remaining, Pappoe has 82 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He had a career high game in tackles against Ole Miss with 16 total.
Pappoe’s NFL capability
nfldraftbuzz.com wrote that Pappoe is a talented player but needs the right scheme fit.
“Pappoe has great potential if he can hone his skills and is positioned in a scheme that takes full advantage of his talents. We expect Pappoe to be selected in the second/third round in the 2023 NFL Draft and develop into a playmaker at the next level.”
Scheme fit has been the only thing holding Pappoe back in his career. He still managed to put together a strong college career and continued to add strength and weight while keeping the same athleticism he was known for.
Pappoe’s best football is more than likely ahead of him in the pros. He has a lot to give as a role player in a defense: Can play on linebacker level, as a blitz specialist, or in coverage when needed.
I like the fit for Pappoe.
