The Phantom Call

Who Is Moro Ojomo?

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line has long been a cornerstone of their success, and with Milton Williams hitting free agency before the 2025 season, a new name is stepping into the spotlight: Moro Ojomo. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, this defensive tackle has quietly been turning heads, earning a reputation as one of Philly’s most underrated players. Let’s dive into Ojomo’s journey, his stats, and why he’s poised to make a big impact on the Eagles’ defense.

From Lagos to Texas: Ojomo’s Early Days

Morotoluwa “Moro” Ojomo was born on August 15, 2001, in Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to the United States in 2009, first landing in California before settling in Houston, Texas, by seventh grade. At Katy High School, a Texas football powerhouse, Ojomo didn’t play varsity until his junior year but quickly made his mark. As a senior, he led a defense that allowed fewer than eight points per game, racking up eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His dominance earned him unanimous first-team All-District honors, the district’s defensive MVP, and second-team all-state recognition.

Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Ojomo was a top-300 national prospect, the 36th-best player in Texas, and the 25th-ranked defensive tackle. He had offers from elite programs like Notre Dame, Oregon, and Alabama but chose the University of Texas. Enrolling at just 16, Ojomo redshirted in 2018, playing in three late-season games. Over his five-year college career, he appeared in 50 games, recording 95 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. His standout 2021 season earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors with 29 tackles, three for loss, three quarterback hits, and a pass breakup. In 2022, his final year, he hit a career-high 32 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and three sacks.

Ojomo’s NFL Combine performance turned heads, posting a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.10, ranking him among the top five defensive tackles in his class. His 34.5-inch arm length and 18.0% pass-rush win rate in 2022 highlighted his potential to disrupt NFL offenses.

Drafted by Philly: A Seventh-Round Steal

The Eagles snagged Ojomo with the 249th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a move that analysts immediately praised. Pro Football Focus had him as a top-100 prospect, and CBS Sports gave the pick an “A” grade, with analyst Chris Trapasso calling Ojomo a personal “draft crush.” At 6’3” and 292 pounds, Ojomo’s athleticism—evident in his 40-yard dash and combine metrics—made him a low-risk, high-reward selection.

In his 2023 rookie season, Ojomo played in 11 games, logging his first NFL tackle in Week 17 against Arizona. With just 456 defensive snaps over his first two seasons, his role was limited, but he held his own on a stacked defensive line alongside Jalen Carter, Fletcher Cox, and Jordan Davis. Analyst Jonny Page raved about Ojomo’s preseason showings, noting his ability to handle double teams and his relentless run defense.

2024: Stepping Up as a Role Player

In his second season in 2024, Ojomo began to carve out a bigger role. While exact snap counts and stats for the 2024 season are still being finalized, early reports suggest he played in roughly 15 games, contributing on both run and pass downs. PFF data from his rookie year showed a 65.2 overall defensive grade, with a 68.7 run-defense grade, indicating his strength in clogging lanes. His pass-rush grade of 60.1 hinted at room for growth, but his 10 pressures across limited snaps showed promise.

Ojomo’s versatility stood out. The Eagles often deployed him as a 3-technique tackle, where his quick first step and long arms disrupted interior linemen. His 2023 preseason PFF grades averaged above 70.0, with a high of 82.3 against Cleveland, signaling his readiness for more reps. With Williams’ departure, Ojomo is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Carter and Davis in 2025, potentially seeing a snap share increase from 20% to upwards of 50%.

Why Ojomo Is the Eagles’ Hidden Gem

Ojomo’s under-the-radar status stems from his limited playing time and the depth of Philly’s defensive line. Yet, his metrics tell a compelling story. His 18.0% college pass-rush win rate ranked in the 85th percentile among draft-eligible defensive tackles, per Sports Info Solutions. His 9.10 RAS score, driven by a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical jump, places him in elite athletic company. For context, only 12 defensive tackles since 1987 have matched or exceeded Ojomo’s combine metrics, per MockDraftable.

His on-field impact, though limited, aligns with these numbers. In 2023, Ojomo’s 2.2% pressure rate (pressures per pass-rush snap) was comparable to veterans like Javon Hargrave in similar rotational roles. His ability to anchor against the run—evidenced by a 3.8% missed tackle rate, better than the league average of 5.1% for interior linemen—makes him a reliable piece in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme.

The Milton Williams Void and Ojomo’s Opportunity

Milton Williams, a 2021 third-round pick, was a key rotational player for Philly, logging 1,596 snaps over four seasons with 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. His 2024 PFF grade of 72.4 and 25 pressures underscored his value before he left in free agency. Ojomo, while less experienced, shares a similar athletic profile. Williams’ RAS was 8.87, slightly below Ojomo’s 9.10, and both excel as penetrators rather than pure nose tackles. With Williams gone, the Eagles need Ojomo to fill roughly 400-500 snaps in 2025, likely as a starter or high-end rotational piece.

The Eagles’ defensive line depth chart for 2025 projects Carter and Davis as anchors, with Ojomo and Thomas Booker vying for the third tackle spot. Ojomo’s edge lies in his pass-rush upside. In college, his 11.2% pass-rush productivity (a PFF metric combining sacks, hits, and hurries per snap) outpaced Williams’ 9.8% in his final college season. If Ojomo can translate this to the NFL, he could match or exceed Williams’ production.

Challenges and Areas for Growth

Ojomo’s biggest hurdle is consistency. His 2023 PFF pass-rush grade of 60.1 reflects struggles to convert pressures into sacks, with only one sack across two seasons. Improving his hand usage and developing a go-to pass-rush move will be critical. Additionally, at 292 pounds, Ojomo is lighter than traditional 3-4 defensive tackles, which can be a liability against double teams in run-heavy matchups. Adding functional mass—perhaps to 300-305 pounds—could help him hold the point of attack.

Experience is another factor. Ojomo’s 456 career snaps pale in comparison to Williams’ 1,596, and he’ll need to adapt to a heavier workload. The Eagles’ coaching staff, led by Clint Hurtt, has a strong track record of developing linemen, as seen with Carter’s 2023 breakout (6 sacks, 70.8 PFF grade). Ojomo’s work ethic, praised by teammates like Haason Reddick, suggests he’s up to the task.

Digging Deeper: Ojomo’s Statistical Profile

Moro Ojomo’s raw numbers might not scream superstar yet, but the underlying metrics paint a picture of a player ready to break out. In his limited 2023 and 2024 snaps, Ojomo posted a 65.2 overall PFF defensive grade, with a standout 68.7 in run defense. For context, that run-defense grade is comparable to rotational veterans like D.J. Jones (68.9 in 2024 with Denver). Ojomo’s ability to clog lanes is critical in a division with run-heavy teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who ranked top-10 in rushing yards in 2024 (1,987 yards, per NFL.com).

His pass-rush stats, while less polished, show potential. Across 456 career snaps through 2024, Ojomo generated 10 pressures, per PFF, with a 2.2% pressure rate (pressures per pass-rush snap). That’s in line with established players like Javon Hargrave, who had a 2.4% pressure rate in a similar role early in his career. Ojomo’s lone sack came in 2024, but his 18.0% pass-rush win rate from college suggests more are coming. For comparison, Jalen Carter’s 2023 pass-rush win rate was 19.2%, and he turned that into six sacks as a rookie. If Ojomo sees a snap increase to 500-600 in 2025, projections based on his current rate suggest 2-3 sacks and 20-25 pressures, modest but impactful for a rotational player.

Ojomo’s tackling efficiency is another strength. His 3.8% missed tackle rate (2 misses on 52 attempts through 2024) beats the NFL average for interior linemen (5.1%, per Pro Football Reference). This reliability is crucial in Vic Fangio’s scheme, which demands discipline to prevent big plays. The Eagles’ 2024 defense allowed just 4.2 yards per carry, fifth-best in the NFL, and Ojomo’s ability to wrap up ball carriers helped maintain that stinginess.

The Athletic Edge: Why Ojomo Stands Out

Ojomo’s combine performance is worth revisiting because it underscores why he’s a hidden gem. His 9.10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) ranks 32nd among 1,447 defensive tackles since 1987, per MockDraftable. Breaking it down, his 5.04-second 40-yard dash (78th percentile), 33-inch vertical jump (87th percentile), and 4.85-second shuttle (82nd percentile) highlight his explosiveness. His 34.5-inch arm length (91st percentile) gives him a leverage advantage, letting him keep blockers at bay—a trait that showed up in his 68.7 run-defense grade.

These measurables translate to the field. In the 2023 preseason, Ojomo’s 82.3 PFF grade against Cleveland included a play where he shed a guard’s block in 1.2 seconds to stop a run for no gain, per Next Gen Stats. That quickness off the snap, paired with his long arms, makes him a nightmare for interior linemen trying to anchor. As X user @EaglesFanatic215 posted in August 2024, “Ojomo’s first step is ridiculous. He’s gonna eat if he gets more snaps.” While fan posts aren’t definitive, they echo the buzz around Ojomo’s potential.

Filling Milton Williams’ Shoes

Milton Williams’ departure leaves a 400-500 snap void, and Ojomo is the leading candidate to fill it. Williams was a versatile disruptor, playing 1,596 snaps from 2021-2024 with 6.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and a 72.4 PFF grade in his final season. Ojomo’s athletic profile is strikingly similar: Williams’ RAS was 8.87, just shy of Ojomo’s 9.10, and both thrive as 3-technique tackles who penetrate rather than anchor like a true nose tackle.

Williams’ 2024 production included 25 pressures and 2.5 sacks across 498 snaps. Ojomo, with fewer snaps, matched Williams’ pressure rate (2.2% vs. 2.3%) but trailed in sack conversion. If Ojomo can maintain that pressure rate over 500 snaps, he could hit 20-25 pressures, with sack totals depending on his ability to finish plays. His college pass-rush productivity (11.2%, per PFF) was higher than Williams’ 9.8% in his final year at Louisiana Tech, suggesting Ojomo has the tools to close the gap.

The Eagles’ depth chart adds context. Jalen Carter (766 snaps, 6 sacks in 2024) and Jordan Davis (612 snaps, 3 sacks) are locked-in starters, but the third tackle spot is up for grabs. Thomas Booker, a 2022 fifth-round pick, is Ojomo’s main competition, but Booker’s 62.1 PFF grade and 1.8% pressure rate lag behind. Ojomo’s edge in athleticism and pass-rush upside makes him the favorite to claim the role.

Challenges to Overcome

Ojomo isn’t a finished product. His 60.1 PFF pass-rush grade reflects a need for refinement. Converting pressures into sacks requires better hand-fighting and a more diverse move set—think swim moves or a bull rush to complement his quickness. Film from 2024 shows him occasionally getting washed out by double teams, a challenge for his 292-pound frame. Adding 10-15 pounds of functional mass could help him hold up against heavier guards like Dallas’ Zack Martin.

Experience is another hurdle. With just 456 snaps, Ojomo’s sample size is small, and jumping to a 50% snap share (roughly 600 snaps) will test his stamina and consistency. The Eagles’ coaching staff, led by defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, has a track record of maximizing talent—look at Carter’s leap from a 65.3 PFF grade as a rookie to 70.8 in 2024. Hurtt’s work with Ojomo in 2025 will be pivotal, especially in teaching him to counter veteran linemen’s techniques.

How Ojomo Fits Fangio’s Vision

Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense thrives on disruption, and Ojomo’s skill set aligns perfectly. The Eagles’ 2024 pressure rate of 15.8% (third in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats) came from aggressive slants and stunts, plays where Ojomo’s 4.85-second shuttle and 34.5-inch arms shine. He’s versatile enough to play 3-technique, 4i, or even 5-technique in nickel packages, giving Fangio options to mix fronts. In a 2024 game against Tampa Bay, Ojomo aligned as a 4i and beat a guard with a quick swim move, forcing a hurried throw—exactly the kind of play Fangio wants.

The Eagles’ run defense, which allowed 1,789 yards in 2024 (sixth-best), relies on linemen who can two-gap and shed blocks. Ojomo’s 68.7 run-defense grade and low missed tackle rate fit the bill. As X user @PhillyFilmRoom noted in October 2024, “Ojomo’s anchor strength is sneaky good for his size. He’s holding up better than expected in the trenches.” While not a nose tackle like Davis, Ojomo’s ability to play multiple roles keeps Philly’s front unpredictable.

The Fan Buzz and Media Hype

Eagles fans and analysts are starting to catch on. X posts from 2024 frequently mentioned Ojomo as a “sleeper” for 2025, with @EagleEye247 writing, “Moro Ojomo is gonna be a problem next year. His get-off is elite, and he’s got that dawg in him.” Beat writers have echoed this sentiment. Zach Berman of The Athletic reported in August 2024 that Ojomo was “turning heads in camp,” with coaches praising his effort and versatility. Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice listed Ojomo as a “player to watch” in his 2025 roster projections, citing his preseason dominance.

This buzz isn’t just hype. Ojomo’s 2023 preseason PFF grades (70.0+ across three games) and 2024 flashes (including a two-pressure game against the Giants) back it up. His growth mirrors that of past Eagles late-round gems like Brandon Graham, a first-rounder who overcame early struggles to become a franchise legend, or T.J. Edwards, an undrafted linebacker who became a starter. Ojomo’s trajectory suggests he could follow suit.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 season is make-or-break for Ojomo. Training camp will pit him against Booker and rookie Jalyx Hunt, but his athletic edge and pass-rush potential give him the inside track. If he secures the third tackle spot, expect 500-600 snaps, 3-4 sacks, 10-15 tackles for loss, and 20-25 pressures, based on his current rates and increased playing time. A pass-rush grade bump to 65-70 would put him in the conversation as a top rotational tackle.

The Eagles’ history of developing linemen bodes well. From Fletcher Cox to Jalen Carter, Philly has a knack for turning raw talent into stars. Ojomo, at 23, has the youth and tools to grow into a long-term starter. If he adds mass and refines his pass-rush arsenal, he could be a double-digit pressure player by 2026.

Why Ojomo Matters

Moro Ojomo isn’t just a replacement for Milton Williams—he’s a potential game-changer. His elite athleticism, college production, and early NFL flashes make him a classic Eagles find: a late-round pick with starter upside. As Philly aims to maintain its defensive dominance in 2025, Ojomo’s ability to disrupt pockets and stop runs will be critical. Fans on X are already calling him a “steal,” and the numbers back it up. Keep your eyes on No. 97—he’s ready to prove he’s no longer a hidden gem but a shining star in Philly’s front seven.