Larry Ogunjobi

Pre-draft

Coming out of college, Ogunjobi was ranked as the 15th best defensive tackle in the draft by CBSSports.com and was projected to be a fifth or sixth-round pick. He received an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl, practiced well throughout the week, and played defensive tackle for the North who lost 16–15 to the South. Ogunjobi raised his draft stock after showcasing his talent in the Senior Bowl.^[7] He participated at the NFL Combine and completed all the required combine and positional drills. About a dozen or more scouts and representatives attended Charlotte's Pro Day to scout Ogunjobi as the feature prospect and two other teammates.^[8] NFL draft experts and analysts projected him to be a second or third-round pick. He was ranked as the third-best defensive tackle in the draft by ESPN, was ranked the fourth-best defensive tackle by NFLDraftScout.com, was ranked the fifth-best defensive tackle by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and was ranked the sixth-best defensive tackle by Sports Illustrated.^[9][10][11]

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns selected Ogunjobi in the third round (65th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.^[13] Ogunjobi signed his contract with the Browns on May 17, 2017,^[14] a deal which totaled $3.9 million.^[15] He went on to play in 14 games, recording 17 solo tackles and a sack during his rookie season with the Browns as the team finished with an 0-16 record.^[16]

In 2018, Ogunjobi finished the season making 33 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles and 5.5 sacks.^[17]

On November 14, 2019, near the end of a game against Pittsburgh Steelers, teammate Myles Garrett and Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph got tangled up and began fighting, ending with Garrett hitting Rudolph with a helmet. As other teammates began running towards the two, Ogunjobi hit Rudolph, who was still without his helmet, from behind knocking him onto the ground. He was later suspended for one game without pay and fined.^[18]

Ogunjobi made his playoff debut on January 10, 2021 when the Browns defeated the Steelers 48-37. He recorded three assisted tackles in his only playoff victory.^[19] He only recorded one solo tackle during the Browns' AFC divisional round playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.^[20]

Cincinnati Bengals

On March 19, 2021, Ogunjobi signed a one-year, $6.2 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.^[21][22] He started 16 games in 2021, recording a career-high seven sacks, 49 tackles, and a team-high 12 tackles for loss. In the wild card playoff game with the Las Vegas Raiders he suffered a season ending foot injury that required surgery.^[23]

On March 14, 2022, Ogunjobi was reported and expected to sign with the Chicago Bears, but failed the conditional physical, resulting in the offer being rescinded.^[24]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On June 21, 2022, Ogunjobi signed a one-year deal with the Steelers.^[25] He started 16 games in 2022, recording 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

On March 17, 2023, Ogunjobi signed a three-year, $28.75 million contract extension with the Steelers.^[26] In 2023, Ogunjobi finished the season with 21 tackles, three being for a loss, and a forced fumble. He made two tackles in the Steelers' Wildcard playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in January 2024.^[27]

In 2024, he recorded his first sack of the season on New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the Steelers won 37-15.

Ogunjobi was released by the Steelers on March 10, 2025.^[28]

Buffalo Bills

On March 14, 2025, Larry Ogunjobi signed a one-year, $8.3 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.^[29] However, after signing with the Bills, Ogunjobi was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's PED policy.^[30]

Regular season

Postseason