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Five things to know about Patriots sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor
Obiazor comes from a family of talented athletes.
The Patriots selected Namdi Obiazor, a linebacker out of TCU, with the No. 212 overall pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 229-pound Obiazor posted a 4.53 40-yard dash at the combine. A sixth-year senior, he capped his college career with 88 tackles, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble, and 2 sacks last season. He started all 13 games that he appeared in.
With Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Marte Mapu departing in the offseason, Obiazor could find reps this coming season with the Patriots, depending on how he progresses.
The 24-year-old was a Big 12 defensive player of the week versus Colorado on Oct. 4. In 2023, he was named honorable mention All-Big 12 and honorable mention Big 12 defensive player of the year. With the Horned Frogs, he played in 53 games and finished with 302 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
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“It was just a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Obiazor, upon receiving his draft call from the Patriots. “Kind of just a good moment just to be around family and finally achieving my goal and dreams.”
Here are five things to know about Obiazor:
He began his college career at Iowa Western Community College
Obiazor’s journey certainly isn’t the typical route taken to reach the professional ranks.
He spent the 2020-21 seasons at Iowa Western Community College. He finished with 31 tackles, an interception, 4 passes defensed, and a blocked kick. He was first-team NJCAA All-American in 2021.
A zero-star recruit, he did not receive any Division 1 scholarship offers in the class of 2020. His strong 2021 season made him a three-star JUCO recruit, then signing with the Horned Frogs.
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He was originally a defensive back
When Obiazor signed at TCU, he was a safety. During his freshman year in Fort Worth, Obiazor lined up as a nickel safety. Prior to his sophomore season, he made the switch to linebacker.
His hometown has produced several NFL players
Obiazor attended Eden Prairie high school in Minnesota. Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, and Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson also suited up for Eden Prairie.
Obiazor was mentored by Tyrone Carter, a 10-year NFL veteran from 2000-10. Carter won two Super Bowls with the Steelers. He was a consensus All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back, in 1999 at Minnesota.
He’s not the only college football player in his family
Obiazor’s younger brother, Chiddi, a defensive end, played for Kansas State from 2023-25. The two have faced off twice. Chiddi transferred to defending national champion Indiana for the 2026 season.
He has a twin sister
Namdi’s twin sister, Nneka, was also an athlete. Nneka found her niche on the hardwood, playing basketball at Youngstown State (2020-21), UNLV (2021-24), and Grand Canyon (2024-25).
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