With the 132nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected defensive tackle Tommy Togiai from Ohio State.
Welcome to Cleveland, Tommy Togiai!#BrownsDraft pic.twitter.com/2U2c4QYJpI
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 1, 2021
The Browns selection adds to a Midwestern flair in this year’s draft with previous pick tackle James Hudson coming from Cincinnati, yesterday’s selection of linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from Notre Dame, and first round pick Greg Newsome II, cornerback from Northwestern.
Only wide receiver Anthony Schwartz from Auburn is not hailing from a Midwestern university.
Who Is Tommy Togiai
Togiai is 6’1 1/2″ tall and weighs 296 pounds.
He has tremendous range and is lauded for his instincts.
Togiai is often compared in style and stature to Matt Ioannidis from the Washington Football Team.
Tommy Togiai had a career best season in 2020.
He had 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks; both are career highs.
Togai was also named to the All 2nd Team Big 10 in 2020.
Ohio State Career
Togiai played three seasons at Ohio State.
He was not named a starter until his 2020 (his junior year) which was a pandemic-shortened season.
At Pro Day, Togiai showed off his strength by lifting over 40 reps on the bench press.
Ohio State DT Tommy Togiai with 40 reps
FORTY.
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 30, 2021
He is only the 20th player since 2000 to accomplish that impressive feat.
The bench press weighs 225 pounds, and despite raising eyebrows with his accomplishment, Togiai fell short of his goal of 50 reps.
Togiai has speed too.
He ran the 40 in 4.98 seconds, the 13th fastest among players weighing over 290 pounds.
Togiai commented on his 40.
“Everyone thinks of me just as strong and big and that’s it, but I’ve got the speed along with it. I can move, and I just wanted to put that on and showcase it today.”
Tommy Togiai excels at stopping the run.
According to The Athletic, Togiai was projected to be the eighth best defensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Welcome to Cleveland, Tommy Togiai!
NEXT: Browns Draft Cincinnati's James Hudson In 4th Round