First Step: Adebawore lacks an elite first step at the snap of the football due to a lack of elite athleticism He struggles to generate speed through is arc to challenge the feet of his opponents. Adebawore is usually beat to his spot at the line of scrimmage and loses a lot of reps that way.
Bend: Adebawore lacks average bend in both his hips and ankles that would allow him to corner offensive tackles around the edge. When operating from gap to gap, Adebawore struggles to quickly change direction quickly enough to be a difference-maker as a run defender.
Hand Usage: Adebawore is usually pretty accurate with his punches and has some nice power behind his hits but lacks the quickness to disengage against his opponents. He can establish solid leverage when he does win with his first step however, Adebawore lacks the timing or variety to make a difference with his hands.
Pass Rush Plan: Playing predominately from an outside track while also seeing snaps inside, Adebawore lacks above-average pass rush prowess that is required of his role. He struggles to counter against offensive tackle sets while also lacking enough juice inside to beat guards with quick finesse. He uses the power rush well enough to apply pressure which he uses to transition to the rip move.
Motor/Effort: No question about his physicality and motor from a snap-to-snap basis. He can tough through his opponents in the run game while showing good physicality as a tackler.
Lateral Mobility: Adebawore is average at best on a lateral plane. He struggles to quickly get from gap to gap in the stunt/twist game and when asked to play down the line he has issues switching gears. He’s not a poor athlete however he’s not a player who one should expect to win with twitch either.
Run Defense/Anchor: Average run defense overall. Adebawore’s squatty build allows him to generate some nice strength/power out of his stance however his average first step quickness hinders how quickly he can affect opponents. Despite this, his hand placement is solid too, and can redirect opponents when everything goes right for him.
Athletic Ability: Adebawore displays average athleticism at best. His first step explosiveness lacks punch and he doesn’t display much flexibility when engaging offensive linemen in pass-rush situations. His foot speed is solid overall and can get him by at an NFL level, however, he’s not a threat to win athletic traits alone.
Strength: Arguably Adebawore’s best trait as a prospect. He shows good lower half and core strength on run downs which allows him to create some power coming out of his stance.
Versatility: Adebawore projects as a rotational five-technique in base 4-3 defensive looks. He can use his squatty build and strength to set a physical edge in run defense with some ability to threaten passer with development.