Orakpo gives his NFL draft advice

Published March 26, 2010 4:00am ET



Brian Orakpo didn’t exactly lobby for the Redskins to pick him. But he also made it clear that Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung would be a wise addition.

“I’d love to see him here,” Orakpo said. “We need some blockers.”

Uh, yes you do. A few of them in fact.

And Okung is a legitimate option when the Redskins pick fourth overall in the NFL draft next month. They went head to head when Orakpo was a defensive end at Texas. As a senior, he recorded a sack vs. Oklahoma State.

“He has great feet,” the Redskins linebacker said. “He’s very strong and athletic for a tackle. Whoever picks him up will have a hell of a player. He brings a lot to the table as far as stopping those big play pass rushers.”

Orakpo offered his assessment on two other players:

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford: “He’s a great quarterback. He leads his team real well and he makes some huge plays. He’s a smart, intelligent quarterback.”

On Texas quarterback (and former teammate) Colt McCoy: “Colt is a phenomenal player, man. He’s a Drew Brees-type player. He isn’t tall but he plays big, he plays with a big heart and he’s a great leader. He’s an accurate quarterback. And when broken plays happen he can make plays and turn them into huge gains. A great leader, a great person.”

Orakpo did not face Oklahoma’s Trent Williams because he played right tackle, a position some scouts and experts project him to play in the NFL. If that’s the case, he should not be considered at No. 4.