With the 88th overall pick of the draft, the Cubs selected outfielder Jordan Nwogu out of the University of Michigan. He follows the likes of 1st rounder Ed Howard and Burl Carraway, the first pick of the Day Two activities.

Physicality

There is plenty of it here! Nwogu was recruited to be an edge rusher in college football and is built like one. He stands 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds and put that size and muscle to good use at the plate during his three years in college. Even though he has big size, he still has quite a bit of speed to burn. I don’t expect that to stick around and he is definitely going to be a corner outfielder in the future.

Tools

Nwogu has a skill that is completely absent in the Cubs system. Raw power. But that doesn’t mean he can’t hit for average. If he can improve the bat speed a bit and cut down the swing with some pro coaching, I think the bat could be special. But while his hit tool and power are there, he has some work to do in the outfield. It is kind of interesting considering the speed he has and the ground he should be able to cover, but his routes aren’t the prettiest out there in right field.

Statistics

The big man spent three years with the Maize and Blue and performed extremely well in all three seasons. His career slash line flashed .334/.430/.545/.976 with 20 bombs to go along with 30 stolen bases. Again, there is a lot to like here from the offensive side of the ball. There will certainly be a few tweaks to his mechanics and his loading technique, but he already lights up radar guns with his exit velos.

Takeaway

We haven’t really seen the Cubs make a pick like this in years. The only bat-first option that I can think of off the top of my head was Luke Reynolds in the tenth round a few years ago. I can’t wait to see this kid hit as a pro.

PS: Is it just me, or does the follow-through on his swing show some glimpses of one Kristopher Lee Bryant?