2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Oluwafemi Oladejo (LB – UCLA)

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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Oluwafemi Oladejo

Oluwafemi Oladejo (LB – UCLA)

6-foot-3 | 259 Pounds

Background

Originally attended California, where he played as a traditional linebacker. Oluwafemi Oladejo rotated in heavily (one start) in 2021, finishing with 36-2.5-0.0, then took over a starting role the following year and went 91-4.5-1.0. Transferred to UCLA, where he posted 54-2.5-0.0 in 2023, then converted to an EDGE player early in 2024 and finished with 57-13.5-4.5.

Positives

Has three years of starting experience and four years of production between two programs and two positions. Well-built, long-limbed EDGE rusher whose arms measured just under 33.5 inches at the combine. Shows good get-off and reaction times to the ball being snapped. In terms of effort, Oladejo brings it on a snap-to-snap basis. Plays with toughness, physicality and leverage in the run game.

Oladejo does a good job of attacking blockers to set the edge and shows discipline in his run fits. Gets good knee bend and keeps his pad level low, with good extension to lock out opponents. Shows the ability to get his legs churning to grind down blockers and reset the line of scrimmage. Works hard in pursuit, chasing opponents through the whistle. Thudding hitter with good pop on contact.

On passing downs, Oladejo is primarily a bull-rusher and shows a good level of violence and intensity in his game. He uses his first step and functional strength well to walk back opposing tackles. Despite being predominantly power-based, he does flash the ability to use slaps and rips to work his way around the edge at times. Doesn’t give up when his initial approach is unsuccessful, and can pick up pressures or sacks on second effort. Looks relatively fast when closing or in pursuit.

Negatives

Still relatively new to an EDGE role. Instincts and recognition skills are developing. Can occasionally get sucked in or lose track of the ball carrier. Plays out of control at times, and can occasionally over-extend, leading to balance issues. On the rangier side for an EDGE rusher, but doesn’t have the most range if viewed as an off-ball linebacker prospect; more of an effort-based player than an athletic freak in space. Typically played inside linebacker before converting to EDGE.

Sack production wasn’t much to write home about, and often came late in the snap. Approach as a pass-rusher is still raw. Oladejo relies heavily on his first step, power and intensity. Would like to see him diversify his approach more, mixing in more speed rushes, inside moves and counters, with more refined hand usage. May not have the ideal fluidity to take regular snaps in coverage.

Summary

Oladejo wasn’t on people’s radars before this season, but reinvented himself as a bulldozer of an EDGE rusher and will likely see his name called on the second day of the draft as a result. Has the tools of a potential every-down strongside EDGE in an odd front, as his power and intensity allow him to set/reset the edge effectively on early downs and test the anchors of opposing tackles with his bull-rush on passing downs.

Still a bit of a one-trick pony as it currently stands, but that’s to be expected given Oladejo’s recent transition to EDGE. He has high upside under the right coach who can refine his technique and diversify his rush approach.

Projection: Round 2

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