Obi

Melifonwu

Melifonwu was signed to a reserve/futures deal in January. The former Raiders second-round pick spent 2019 on the Patriots’ practice squad but hasn’t appeared in a game since 2018. Melifonwu will look to resurface in a depth role before training camp.

Melifonwu appeared in two games with the Patriots in 2018. The freakishly-athletic safety hasn’t managed to stay healthy enough to find the field throughout his short career, appearing in just seven total games since being drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft.

The Raiders telegraphed this move when they waived/injured Melifonwu in August. The No. 56 overall pick of last year’s draft, Melifonwu could not get healthy as a rookie and then barely practiced during the offseason. That was enough for impatient coach Jon Gruden to move on. Still only 24, Melifonwu should pretty quickly get a second chance elsewhere if his health cooperates.

Melifonwu (6’4/224) started a whopping 47 games at UConn, compiling 11 career tackles for loss with eight interceptions and two forced fumbles. Like fellow ex-Huskies SS Byron Jones, Obi completely murdered the Combine with a 4.4-flat forty and off-the-charts vertical (44") and broad (11’9") jumps. While Obi obviously checks boxes for size and athleticism, PFF College charted him with 12 touchdown passes allowed over his final three years, and NFL scouts reportedly question Melifonwu’s on-field toughness. Ideally, he would become a combination safety in the mold of Bengals FS George Iloka. Melifonwu will likely back up aging Reggie Nelson at free safety initially, then take over as a starter opposite Karl Joseph in 2018.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports the operation was last week. It’s unclear if Melifonwu will be a candidate for return. He could be activated in eight weeks. The Raiders’ already-thin defense has little in the way of safety depth.

The No. 56 overall pick is recovering from apparently “minor” knee surgery. When Melifonwu returns, his first order of business could be helping the Raiders defense opposing tight ends.

The deal comes in just before the start of training camp. A four-year starter at UConn, Melifonwu blew up the Combine with a 4.4-flat forty and elite vertical (44") and broad (11’9") jumps. He’ll open his career a backup, but projects to replace contract-year S Reggie Nelson in 2018.

Melifonwu can now resume practicing, and return to game action in Week 9. The No. 56 overall pick of April’s draft, Melifonwu will slide in as the Raiders’ No. 3 safety behind Karl Joseph and Reggie Nelson.

A freak athlete out of UConn, Melifonwu was drafted by the Raiders specifically to be their tight end stopper. They have been without FS Karl Joseph due to a groin injury. Melifonwu figures to be a limited-snap role player in his debut.

This has been expected. The No. 56 overall pick, Melifonwu will make his debut on Sunday night against Miami. With Karl Joseph questionable, it’s possible Melifonwu could have an immediate role.