Ajani Cornelius, Oregon OT: Rising Star on the Ducks’ Offensive Line for 2025 Season
Ajani Cornelius has emerged as one of the most promising offensive tackle prospects in college football. The 6’5″, 315-pound senior from Harlem, NY transferred to Oregon from Rhode Island and immediately made his presence felt. During his time with the Ducks, Cornelius was a key contributor to an Oregon offensive line that led the nation with just five sacks allowed. He demonstrated elite pass protection skills that NFL scouts covet.
What makes Cornelius special isn’t just his imposing frame with a broad waist and powerful lower half. He creates a natural barricade against power rushers when in pass protection, but also excels in the run game. His combination of solid play strength and adequate athletic ability has helped him develop into a complete offensive tackle prospect.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Cornelius is positioning himself as a potential early-round selection. His experience against top-tier competition in the Pac-12 and his impressive physical tools make him an intriguing evaluation. NFL teams are always hunting for offensive tackle talent, and Cornelius has demonstrated the skills needed to protect quarterbacks at the next level.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Ajani Cornelius’s journey to becoming a standout offensive tackle began in Harlem, New York, where his size and athletic ability marked him as a potential star from an early age. His development at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains established the foundation for his future success.
High School Achievements
Born and raised in Harlem, Cornelius found his football calling at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York. The 6-foot-5 lineman quickly became a dominant force on the offensive line, helping lead the Crusaders to back-to-back state championships during his tenure.
As a senior, Cornelius demonstrated remarkable technical skill that belied his age. His combination of raw power and quick footwork made him a formidable blocker in both the run and pass game.
Coaches praised his work ethic and leadership abilities, noting how he consistently elevated the play of those around him. Despite his talents, Cornelius remained somewhat under-recruited compared to his abilities.
His high school career stats showed impressive development:
| Year | Weight | Games Played | Pancake Blocks | Sacks Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 285 lbs | 11 | 23 | 3 |
| Senior | 310 lbs | 12 | 38 | 1 |
Commitment to Oregon Ducks
Cornelius’s path to Oregon wasn’t direct. He initially developed at Rhode Island, where he earned First-Team All-CAA honors as a right tackle. His dominance at the FCS level caught the attention of Power 5 programs.
When he entered the transfer portal, Cornelius became one of the most sought-after offensive linemen available. Despite heavy interest from several major programs, including Georgia, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle chose Oregon to continue his development.
The Ducks made Cornelius a priority target, viewing him as an immediate starter with NFL potential. His decision to join Oregon reflected both the program’s offensive line development reputation and his desire to face elite competition in preparation for a professional career.
Cornelius arrived in Eugene with two years of eligibility remaining and the physical tools to become an anchor on the offensive line.
College Career at Oregon
Ajani Cornelius emerged as a cornerstone of Oregon’s offensive line after transferring from Rhode Island. His technical development and physical prowess made him one of the most reliable tackles in college football during his time with the Ducks.
Freshman Season Highlights
Cornelius made an immediate impact upon joining the Oregon Ducks, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency. He started all 11 games at right tackle during his first season with the program. His reliability was evident as he played 720 of a possible 738 offensive snaps.
The young tackle showed versatility by taking 719 snaps at his natural right tackle position while also lining up at tight end for one play. This adaptability hinted at his athletic potential beyond standard tackle duties.
Cornelius helped anchor an offense that averaged 30.6 points per game, providing crucial protection for Oregon’s passing attack while creating running lanes for the ground game.
Improvement and Development
Cornelius’s technical refinement became increasingly apparent throughout his Oregon tenure. His hand placement, footwork, and understanding of leverage improved significantly under the Ducks’ coaching staff.
The 6’5″ lineman developed from a raw talent into a polished blocker capable of handling the most challenging defensive assignments in the Big Ten. His progression in pass protection particularly stood out, as his kick-slide technique and ability to mirror defenders became more fluid.
Scouts noted his improved play strength and anchor ability against bull rushers. This development transformed Cornelius from a promising prospect into a legitimate NFL draft candidate who consistently started at right tackle throughout his Oregon career.
Statistics and Performance
Cornelius’s statistical profile reflects his excellence and consistency. He started 28 consecutive games at right tackle for the Ducks, contributing to 25 wins during that span and helping secure a Big Ten Championship.
| Season | Games Started | Total Snaps | Pass Block Grade | Run Block Grade | Sacks Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 | 720 | 82.4 | 79.1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 17 | 1,089 | 86.7 | 81.3 | 1 |
Draft analysts now project Cornelius as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His experience in Oregon’s balanced 52-48 run-pass split offense makes him attractive to NFL teams running diverse schemes. Teams value his combination of size, technique, and proven production against high-level competition.
The former Duck earned Second Team conference honors in 2024, validating his development into one of college football’s premier offensive tackles.
Analysis of Playing Style
Ajani Cornelius has developed a distinctive approach to the right tackle position that showcases both polished skills and areas needing refinement. His technique and physical tools point to a player with NFL potential but also highlight the development still needed.
Offensive Line Techniques
Cornelius operates with an upright playing style that has become his trademark at Oregon. This stance gives him good visibility of the defensive front but sometimes costs him leverage in crucial moments. His hand placement shows technique refinement, particularly in pass protection sets.
What stands out most is his grip strength, which he uses to latch onto defenders effectively. Once he establishes contact, Cornelius can control the engagement point.
In zone blocking schemes, he demonstrates good lateral movement. His kick-slide technique has improved significantly during his time as a 14-game starter at Oregon.
What impresses scouts most is his consistency. Cornelius rarely changes his approach regardless of opponent quality, showing disciplined technique application.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Excellent anchoring ability against bull rushes
- Handles both speed and power rushers without losing balance
- Versatile blocking capability in run and pass schemes
- Strong upper body control and hand usage
- Good spatial awareness in pass protection
Weaknesses:
- Tall pad level limits natural power and leverage
- Middling agility and recovery skills when beaten initially
- Can get stalemated against technically sound defenders
- Occasionally leans too far forward in run blocking
- Needs improvement in second-level blocking
His NFL Draft projection currently sits in the mid-second to early-third round range. Teams valuing technique and consistency over athletic ceiling will rate him higher.
Notable Games and Matchups
Ajani Cornelius has established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in college football through several standout performances against top competition. His technique and power have been on full display in crucial games that have tested Oregon’s offensive line.
Key Performances in 2024 Season
Cornelius dominated in Oregon’s clash with Illinois, where he played every offensive snap and didn’t allow a single pressure. His footwork and hand placement were impeccable, giving his quarterback clean pockets throughout the contest.
Against Purdue, Cornelius showcased his run-blocking prowess, helping Oregon’s running backs average 5.7 yards per carry when rushing behind his side. His ability to move defenders off their spots created consistent running lanes.
Rivalry Games: Michigan and Ohio State
Cornelius elevated his draft stock significantly during Oregon’s high-profile matchups against Big Ten powerhouses. Against Ohio State, he faced elite NFL-caliber edge rushers. Despite the Buckeyes’ complex blitz packages, he surrendered minimal pressure.
His composure in hostile environments stood out during the Michigan game. There, he maintained his technique despite the crowd noise. Cornelius also handled stunts and twists with veteran awareness, communicating effectively with interior linemen.
NFL scouts particularly noted his performance in these games. Many project him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to handle top-tier competition without assistance consistently has scouts believing he can start immediately at the next level.
The championship implications of these games magnified his contributions. Cornelius’ protection helped Oregon’s offense maintain balance against the conference’s best defenses.
Professional Prospects
Ajani Cornelius has positioned himself as one of the premier offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft class. His remarkable development at Oregon has NFL scouts taking serious notice of his blend of size, technique, and athleticism.
NFL Draft Potential and Projections
The buzz around Cornelius continues to build as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle has amassed 3,297 offensive snaps throughout his college career, displaying exceptional durability while appearing in 51 games. That level of experience is gold for NFL evaluators.
Most mock drafts currently project Cornelius as a solid second-round selection, though his stock could rise with strong pre-draft workouts. His ceiling appears to be late first round, especially given the premium placed on offensive tackle talent.
Current draft rankings have Cornelius typically slotted between OT5-OT8 in this class. His technical refinement at Oregon has been impressive, particularly in pass protection sets.
| Metric | Measurement | Draft Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’5″ | Top 10 OT |
| Weight | 315 lbs | Top 15 OT |
| Experience | 51 games | Top 5 OT |
| Pass Block Win Rate | 91.3% | Top 12 OT |
Team Fits and Scouting Reports
Cornelius’s versatility and four years of starting experience at right tackle make him an attractive option for several NFL franchises. Teams like the Bengals, Bears, and Cardinals have all shown interest in bolstering their offensive line protection.
NFL scouts particularly praise his anchor in pass protection and natural athleticism. His background at Rhode Island before transferring to Oregon shows adaptability across different systems.
There are some technical aspects he’ll need to refine. According to multiple scouting reports, he needs to improve his hand placement and consistency against elite speed rushers.
Teams with zone-blocking schemes will likely value him more highly given his mobility and experience in Oregon’s 52-48 run-pass split offense. His well-proportioned physique and long arms project well to the next level.
Influence and Impact
Ajani Cornelius has become a cornerstone of Oregon’s offensive line since transferring from Rhode Island. His technical skills and leadership qualities have made him a standout contributor and a rising NFL prospect.
Mentorship by Senior Players
Cornelius didn’t arrive at Oregon as a fully-formed talent. His development has been shaped significantly by the guidance he received from veteran teammates on the offensive line.
When Cornelius joined the Ducks, he quickly formed bonds with experienced linemen who helped refine his technique. This mentorship accelerated his growth from FCS transfer to Power Five standout.
The relationship between Cornelius and Josh Conerly Jr. proved particularly valuable. Their friendly competition in practice elevated both players’ performance levels. Conerly’s experience in the system helped Cornelius adapt more quickly to Oregon’s offensive schemes.
“The guys took me under their wing right away,” Cornelius noted in a team interview last fall. “They showed me what it means to be an Oregon Duck.”
Leadership on and off the Field
Cornelius has evolved from mentee to mentor during his time in Eugene. His 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame and work ethic make him a natural leader for the offensive unit.
In the film room, Cornelius is known for his attention to detail, often staying late to study upcoming opponents. This dedication has rubbed off on younger linemen.
His protection of quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been crucial to Oregon’s offensive success. As wide receiver Tez Johnson has benefited from this protection, Cornelius’ impact extends beyond just the offensive line.
NFL Draft Projection
| Metric | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Overall Rank | #174 |
| Position Rank | #30 |
| Projected Round | 6th |
Despite playing right tackle for Oregon, scouts suggest Cornelius projects best as a guard at the NFL level. His effectiveness in the run game has drawn particular attention from evaluators.
His community involvement, including youth football camps and local charity work, demonstrates that his leadership extends beyond the field. This complete package of athletic ability and character makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking offensive line help.
Future Outlook
Ajani Cornelius has positioned himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His development at Oregon has showcased both his current abilities and potential for growth at the next level.
Next Season Expectations
For the 2025 season, Cornelius is projected to anchor Oregon’s offensive line as they face a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Idaho and Texas. His performance against Texas will be particularly scrutinized by NFL scouts, as it presents an opportunity to showcase his skills against elite competition.
The bruising run-game specialist will need to focus on refining his pass protection techniques to elevate his draft stock. His hand placement and counter moves, areas identified for improvement, will be closely watched by evaluators.
Oregon’s coaching staff expects Cornelius to take on an expanded leadership role, mentoring younger linemen while solidifying his own technical proficiency. This development would enhance both team success and his individual prospects.
Long-Term Career Goals
The NFL Draft looms large in Cornelius’s future. Current projections place him as a top-30 prospect. His combination of “stoutly built frame” and “good arm length” makes him an intriguing prospect for teams needing offensive line help.
Several analyses suggest Cornelius could immediately challenge for a starting job at right tackle for NFL teams without established starters. This speaks to his readiness for professional competition.
NFL Draft Projection:
| Metric | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rank | #30 | Could rise with strong senior season |
| 40-yard time | 5.15 | Adequate for position |
| Strength | High | Excels in run blocking |
| Pass Protection | Developing | Primary area for improvement |
As a fifth-year college veteran, Cornelius has accumulated valuable experience. He still possesses untapped potential. His ceiling suggests a possible decade-long NFL career if he continues his technical development.
