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Why a potential Bucs draft target wants to be another Shaquil Barrett

Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari has been linked to Tampa Bay in some mock drafts. He models his game after the Bucs’ star pass rusher.
 
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari, seen here against Auburn in 2019, says he looks up to Bucs star Shaquil Barrett.
Georgia linebacker Azeez Ojulari, seen here against Auburn in 2019, says he looks up to Bucs star Shaquil Barrett. [ BUTCH DILL | AP ]
Published March 18, 2021|Updated March 18, 2021

Georgia edge defender Azeez Ojulari has been connected to the Bucs in various mock drafts, including one by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. It’s fitting, then, that the NFL player Ojulari most admires is in Tampa Bay.

“I’d say Shaq Barrett, definitely,” Ojulari said Wednesday after his pro day. “I just love the way he plays, the way he bends and gets to the quarterback. Edge rusher. He can dip, outside moves. He’s got it all. He’s an all-around player. I like to model my game after him.”

Shaquil Barrett starred in the postseason, including against Green Bay.
Shaquil Barrett starred in the postseason, including against Green Bay. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]

Ojulari is not yet at Barrett’s level, of course. Ojulari was a second-team all-SEC selection last year, leading the conference with 12½ tackles for a loss and 8½ sacks. He also had a team-high 35 quarterback pressures and was named the defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl. The 6-foot-2 Georgia native has also bulked up to 249 pounds (up from his listed weight of 240 last season).

Barrett leads the NFL with 111 pressures over the past two seasons and was a major contributor to the Bucs’ Super Bowl 55 run. Earlier this week, he agreed to a four-year deal worth $72 million ($34.5 million guaranteed).

Barrett’s decision to stay in Tampa Bay lessens the Bucs’ need for a pass rusher in the draft, but it’s still possible that the team will look to add more depth and talent at that pivotal position. If they do, Ojulari would be a potential match, if he’s still available at the No. 32 overall pick.

Related: It was always ‘Tampa, Tampa and Tampa’ for Shaquil Barrett

Ojulari said he thinks his versatility and flexibility separate him from the rest of the field.

“I’ve got an explosive first step,” Ojulari said. “I can also drop in coverage, too. You’re just not getting a pass rusher out of me. You’re getting all three downs.”