Denver Broncos: Michael Ojemudia on upward trajectory quickly
The loss of A.J Bouye has put pressure on Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Michael Ojemudia to perform and he is excelling.
When the Denver Broncos selected Michael Ojemudia in the third round there were questions why the pick was made. As months wore on, trust in head coach Vic Fangio began with Ojemudia.
The best way to answer the doubt is to perform week in and week out. During the early part of the regular season, Denver encountered injuries galore on the offensive and defensive side. Losing A.J Bouye had thrust more responsibility to the rookie Ojemudia and he’s excelled at close to an elite level right now.
Ojemudia is a very gifted cornerback coming from Iowa. The former Hawkeye is a true zone corner and shows impressive quickness to keep up with wide receivers regularly. More importantly, Ojemudia’s instincts and play recognition jump off the page early in the season.
Pressure on Ojemudia is obvious. From the Tennessee Titans game to the New York Jets game it appears he is getting better week-to-week. One example is Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even though the defense was tasked with short yardage in the game, Ojemudia did quite well when up against Evans, Scotty Miller and O.J Howard. In that game alone statistically, he did not allow big plays. Ojemudia has understood his role from the beginning.
The ball skills for Ojemudia also jump off the page as well early on this year. By all accounts, he very well might have three interceptions. We are finished with Week 4 for the Broncos.
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Ojemudia had an interception against the Titans but it was negated due to a questionable penalty on linebacker Alexander Johnson. If the penalty is not called, then Ojemudia would have his first interception on the year.
In the next game, Ojemudia dropped a sure-handed interception in the end zone. He is very, very close to getting his first interception. That will happen eventually. Clearly, Ojemudia early on in the season is not afraid to perform that big play. Despite not having one right now he is still taking those chances.
The expectation is Bouye will be returning soon to the secondary. This means Ojemudia goes back to the original role. As will Bryce Callahan in the spot. Now with the emergence of Da’Vante Bausby on Thursday, the secondary is quickly heading into a positive direction.
This is all due to the performance of Ojemudia and others doing their jobs. He has created peace that we can trust him to get the job done.
Ojemudia is showing he can be that stud in the secondary and a solid player in the NFL. He has proven he belongs.