Owen Pappoe Scouting Report

Background

NAME: Owen Pappoe

POSITION: LB

SCHOOL: Auburn

HEIGHT: 6’0 1/4″

WEIGHT: 225

CLASS: 4SR

HOMETOWN: Lawrenceville, GA

HIGH SCHOOL: Grayson

DOB: 9/29/2000

Highly touted consensus five-star recruit in high school. Had twelve offers as an 8th grader. Nicknamed “The Freak” due to his elite athletic skillset. Recorded the highest ever SPARQ score at the Nike Regional as a freshman in high school. Opted to attend Auburn with the promise that he’d see the field right away. During his time at Auburn, Pappoe became a four-year starter and two-time team captain (only the fourth player in Auburn history to be a captain twice). Named as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award in 2022. Coaches rave about his work in both the weight and film room. Missed time in 2021 due to an ankle injury that required an offseason operation. Had to opt out of the Senior Bowl due to a “SLAP tear” in his labrum that did not require surgery.

Career Stats

2019 (13 games): 49 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
2020 (11 games): 93 tackles, 6 for loss, 4 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.
2021 (5 games): 23 tackles, 3 for loss.
2022 (12 games): 91 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles.

Trait Grades

Range: 70 (Star)
Football IQ: 40 (Below Average)
Run Defense: 40 (Below Average)
Tackling: 50 (Average)
Coverage: 55 (Above Average)
Motor: 60 (Above Average)
Block Shedding: 40 (Below Average)
Pass Rush: 60 (Above Average)
Versatility: 55 (Above Average)
Frame: 45 (Fringe Average)

Summary

Owen Pappoe lives up to his nickname. It’s easy to see that he’s a “freaky” athlete, and those athletic gifts that set him apart from his peers translate directly to the field. His speed is on display as a sideline-to-sideline defender. Acceleration shows most when he’s chasing running backs down on the backside of plays. Has the length and range as a coverage defender that many teams covet, although his instincts in zone are still developing. Plays at his best when the game is see ball, get ball. Shows no fear when hitting and brings the wood when properly squared up with opposing backs and receivers. Biggest weakness is getting off of blocks in the run game. Second level blockers can take him completely out of the play as he sometimes struggles to disengage. Playing weight may be a factor towards some of these struggles. Will occasionally try to avoid or go around blockers, but can take poor angles and force himself to miss tackles. Despite playng 41 games, his instincts and processing lack. Overall, Owen Pappoe is a project with elite physical tools. His ideal role as a rookie could come in a nickel linebacker and special teams standout. Coaches should be patient and ease him in to a larger role while he adjusts to the speed of the game.