This post concludes our series on Gamecocks in this year's NFL Draft. Today we're talking about Ladi Ajiboye. I'll have a wrap-up later this week.
Ladi Ajiboye
Measurements: 6'1 / 290
Career Summary: The once highly-recruited Ajiboye has been a stalwart on the defensive line for his entire career, having been a regular starter since his freshman season, when he was named freshman All-America by multiple lists. Although minor injuries have hampered him at times, he's more or less been our most consistent performer on the interior line during this entire period, having started more games over the past four years than any Gamecock other than Cliff Matthews. In his career he has seen Carolina move from fielding one of the SEC's worst interior lines to one of the league's best. Some of his more memorable games included Clemson 2009, when he was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, and 2010 Tennessee, when he notched seven tackles, including two for loss with one sack.
What the Scouts Like: Ajiboye has decent speed and agility. He has great fundamentals and an array of moves. He works hard and makes a nice push on every play. He uses his hands well and has good field presence.
What the Scouts Don't Like: At around 290, Ajiboye is slightly undersized for an NFL interior lineman, and, correspondingly, he lacks elite power. He doesn't have the strength to bull rush NFL offensive linemen and can be easily beaten by a double team.
Are the Mocks Right?: Ajiboye is projected as a day-three, late-round prospect. I would expect he'll be taken in the final round or as an undrafted free agent. He lacks the physical qualities necessary to be a regular starter on an NFL line, but he could find a place in the league's as a quality backup.