Oluwafemi Oladejo UCLA EDGE: Rising Star Poised for Breakthrough 2025 Season
Oluwafemi Oladejo has transformed himself into one of the most intriguing edge prospects in college football. After transferring from Cal to UCLA, the versatile defender made a pivotal position change from inside linebacker to edge rusher during the 2024 season. This move has NFL scouts taking serious notice.
Standing 6’3″ and weighing 259 pounds with an impressive 80¾” wingspan, Oladejo showcased his disruptive potential by racking up career highs with 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024. This performance earned him the Kenny Clark Award as UCLA’s top defensive lineman.
What makes Oladejo particularly appealing at the next level is his unique athletic background and positional flexibility. Few edge prospects offer his combination of power, length, and experience playing multiple defensive roles. His development curve remains steep, which should have NFL decision-makers projecting significant upside as he continues to refine his pass-rushing technique and leverage his natural gifts.
The former Cosumnes Oaks High School standout has steadily built an impressive collegiate resume between his time at Cal and UCLA, accumulating 240 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 6 passes defended across his career. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Oladejo’s stock continues to rise as teams look for versatile defenders who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Contents
Early Years and Recruitment
Oluwafemi Oladejo’s path to becoming a standout edge rusher at UCLA began with impressive performances in high school that caught the attention of college recruiters. His athletic prowess and defensive instincts were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his collegiate success.
High School Achievements
Oladejo emerged as a defensive force at Elk Grove High School in California, where he showcased versatility across multiple defensive positions. His natural ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him stand out among his peers.
As a senior, he racked up impressive tackle numbers while demonstrating an uncanny ability to pressure quarterbacks. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a nightmare for offensive coordinators at the high school level.
College scouts particularly noted his lateral quickness and closing speed when pursuing ball carriers. These attributes, coupled with his frame that suggested room for additional muscle, hinted at his potential to develop into an elite defender at the next level.
Recruitment by Top Colleges
Oladejo was rated as a 3-star recruit coming out of high school, drawing interest from several Power Five programs. His recruitment heated up during his junior and senior seasons as his defensive production continued to impress evaluators.
California schools showed particular interest in keeping the talented defender in-state. Cal-Berkeley emerged as an early frontrunner in his recruitment, with their coaching staff envisioning him as a versatile piece in their defensive scheme.
Other programs recruited Oladejo as either a linebacker or potential edge rusher, recognizing his athleticism could translate to multiple positions. His recruitment wasn’t as high-profile as some 5-star prospects, but knowledgeable scouts saw significant developmental upside in his game.
Commitment to UCLA Bruins
While Oladejo initially committed to Cal-Berkeley and spent his first two collegiate seasons there, he ultimately transferred to UCLA to continue his development. This move would prove transformational for his career trajectory.
At UCLA, the coaching staff identified his potential as an edge defender, transitioning him from the stack linebacker position he played at Cal. This position change in 2024 unlocked his pass-rushing abilities and allowed him to showcase his disruptive talents.
The transfer to UCLA proved to be the perfect match of player potential and scheme fit. Under the Bruins’ defensive coaching, Oladejo racked up 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024, earning him the Kenny Clark Award as UCLA’s top defensive lineman.
His performance at UCLA has positioned him as an intriguing developmental talent on the edge for the 2025 NFL Draft, with scouts particularly impressed by his quick adaptation to a new defensive role.
Collegiate Career at UCLA
Oluwafemi Oladejo’s journey at UCLA evolved dramatically, transforming from an off-ball linebacker into one of the Pac-12’s most formidable edge rushers. His development showcases the rare versatility that NFL scouts covet in modern defensive prospects.
Freshman Season Impact
Oladejo began his collegiate career with modest expectations but quickly established himself as a dependable defensive contributor. Initially playing in a rotational role, he demonstrated remarkable football IQ and adaptability that would become hallmarks of his playing style.
His freshman campaign saw him record 27 tackles while appearing in 11 games. Though still developing physically, Oladejo flashed the athleticism and instincts that would later define his game.
“You could see the raw talent even then,” defensive coordinator Bill McGovern noted. “His ability to diagnose plays and react quickly stood out among freshmen.”
The coaching staff gradually increased his snap count as the season progressed, recognizing his potential to become a defensive cornerstone.
Development Through the Years
Oladejo’s sophomore and junior seasons marked significant growth in both technique and production. His transition from inside linebacker to edge rusher began midway through his junior year, a position change that would ultimately maximize his talents.
During this period, Oladejo added significant muscle to his frame while maintaining his exceptional quickness. His pass-rush repertoire expanded from primarily bull rushes to include sophisticated hand techniques and counter moves.
By his junior year, he had accumulated:
- 47 total tackles
- 6.5 tackles for loss
- 2 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
The positional flexibility demonstrated during this developmental phase caught the attention of NFL scouts. His unique blend of linebacker coverage skills and edge-rushing abilities made him a defensive chess piece.
Senior Year Stats and Highlights
Oladejo’s senior campaign represented a breakthrough as he fully embraced his role as an EDGE defender. The position change proved transformative as he finished with career highs in tackles for loss (13.5) and dramatically improved his pass-rush production.
His senior year statistics tell the story:
| Category | Total | Rank in Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 57 | 8th |
| Tackles for Loss | 13.5 | 3rd |
| Sacks | 4.5 | 6th |
| QB Hurries | 19 | 2nd |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 | 5th |
Against USC, Oladejo delivered his signature performance with 3 TFLs and 2 sacks in a pivotal victory. His ability to generate pressure without sacrificing containment responsibilities became his calling card.
NFL draft analysts have taken notice, with Bleacher Report projecting him as a mid-round selection with potential to rise further through the pre-draft process.
Leadership and Team Contribution
Beyond the stat sheet, Oladejo emerged as a respected voice in UCLA’s locker room. Teammates voted him defensive captain ahead of his senior season, recognizing both his play and character.
His versatility allowed defensive coordinators to employ creative pressure packages. On critical third downs, Oladejo often lined up in multiple positions pre-snap, creating identification problems for opposing offenses.
“Femi was the player we built our defense around,” UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster explained. “His football IQ allowed us to disguise coverages and pressures because he could execute from so many alignments.”
Over his UCLA career, Oladejo collected 111 total tackles, 57 solo stops, and 5 quarterback sacks. More importantly, he leaves Westwood having helped establish a defensive identity that should benefit the program for years to come.
Scouting and Draft Prospects
Oluwafemi Oladejo has risen steadily on draft boards, showcasing impressive physical tools and versatility as an edge rusher. His combination of size, length, and explosive athleticism has NFL scouts taking notice while his performance metrics indicate a player with significant upside at the next level.
Pro Football Focus Analysis
PFF’s metrics paint Oladejo as one of the more intriguing edge prospects in the 2025 class. His pass-rush productivity score shows consistent improvement throughout his UCLA career, with particularly strong numbers in his final season.
The analytics favor Oladejo’s ability to convert pressures into meaningful disruptions. His win rate against Power Five tackles stands out compared to other edge prospects in this class.
Where Oladejo truly shines is in his versatility – PFF graded him well in both run defense and pass rushing situations, demonstrating the three-down capabilities NFL teams covet.
| PFF Metric | Rating | Rank Among EDGE |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Rush Grade | 78.3 | 17th |
| Run Defense | 73.0 | 13th |
| Coverage Grade | 73% | – |
| Overall Grade | 76.5 | 15th |
NFL Combine Performance
At the Combine, Oladejo’s measurables confirmed what tape watchers suspected – he’s built for the NFL edge position. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 259 pounds with 33⅜” arms and an impressive 80¾” wingspan, he checks the physical boxes scouts look for.
Though he opted not to run the 40-yard dash, Oladejo showcased his explosiveness with a 36.5-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. These numbers put him in the upper tier of explosive metrics for edge defenders.
His hand size of 9¾” gives him the tools to effectively use hand-fighting techniques against NFL tackles. The combination of length and explosiveness displayed at the Combine aligns perfectly with his on-field production.
Draft Stock Evaluation
Current projections have Oladejo positioned as a Day 3 selection, likely in the fifth round with an overall rank of #140 and 13th among linebackers/edge rushers. However, his stock appears to be trending upward as the draft approaches.
The appeal lies in his developmental upside. While not a finished product, Oladejo possesses traits that can’t be taught – length, burst, and natural bend around the edge.
Teams view him as having significant room for growth, particularly in his pass rush technique repertoire. His production against top competition suggests he can translate those skills to the next level with proper coaching.
What might hold him back from a higher selection is refinement in his pass rush plan and consistency from snap to snap – areas scouts believe will improve with NFL development.
Team Interests and Workouts
Several NFL franchises have shown specific interest in Oladejo’s skill set. The New England Patriots have added him to their list of pre-draft visits, which indicates serious consideration as a developmental edge prospect.
The Green Bay Packers have also taken notice, with reports suggesting he’s on their draft board. As Packers Wire noted, his physical profile matches what they typically seek in edge defenders.
Oladejo has participated in multiple private workouts, demonstrating his pass rush moves and coverage abilities. Teams particularly value his experience dropping into coverage, making him versatile enough for multiple defensive schemes.
Defensive Style and Skills
Oluwafemi Oladejo has rapidly transformed into a dynamic defensive force for UCLA, showcasing versatility that makes NFL scouts take notice. His transition from inside linebacker to edge rusher has unlocked new dimensions in his play, resulting in impressive production during the 2024 season.
Tackling Technique
Oladejo brings a rare combination of power and precision to his tackling. His background as an inside linebacker gives him excellent fundamentals when wrapping up ball carriers in the open field.
In 2024, his technique notably improved with better leverage and lower pad level when engaging offensive linemen. This refinement allowed him to shed blocks more effectively and make plays in the backfield.
What separates Oladejo from other edge prospects is his closing speed. Once he identifies the play, he accelerates toward the ball carrier with controlled aggression, rarely overrunning plays or missing tackles.
His discipline in maintaining gap integrity stands out on film. Rather than simply hunting for highlights, he understands containment responsibilities first, which explains why his tackle numbers remained consistent despite his positional change.
Edge Rushing Abilities
Oladejo’s development as an edge rusher has been nothing short of remarkable. After moving from the interior, he racked up 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2024 while earning UCLA’s top defensive lineman award.
His first step explosiveness creates immediate pressure on offensive tackles. Despite being relatively new to the position, his natural bend around the edge allows him to flatten to the quarterback effectively.
What scouts love is his versatility in rush packages. Oladejo can win with speed, power, or counter moves depending on the situation. However, he remains somewhat raw in his hand usage when fighting for leverage.
| 2024 Pass Rush Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 4.5 |
| QB Pressures | 21 |
| Pass Rush Win Rate | 17.8% |
| TFLs | 13.5 |
His upside as a pass rusher has him projected as a potential day two selection in the NFL Draft. Teams see a player whose best football might still be ahead of him as he continues to refine his edge techniques.
Play Recognition and Interceptions
Oladejo’s background as an inside linebacker shines through in his diagnostic abilities. He processes plays quickly, rarely getting fooled by misdirection or play action.
This mental acuity translates into quick reactions against both the run and pass. During UCLA’s defensive scheme adjustments in 2024, he moved from inside linebacker to edge without missing a beat, demonstrating his football IQ.
In coverage, his athleticism allows him to drop effectively when needed. While not his primary responsibility as an edge defender, he shows natural instincts when dropping into zone coverage.
His hands and ball skills are surprisingly refined for a front-seven player. Though interceptions aren’t the primary measure of an edge defender’s impact, his ability to bat passes at the line of scrimmage creates turnover opportunities.
Oladejo’s complete skill set and positional flexibility make him particularly valuable in today’s NFL, where defensive coordinators prize adaptability and multiple-role defenders who can execute various schemes.
Comparisons and Influences
Oluwafemi Oladejo’s development as an edge rusher features distinct influences and parallels to established NFL talent. His technical approach and physical attributes have drawn attention from scouts looking for versatile defensive playmakers.
Influence of Brandon Graham
Oladejo has repeatedly cited Philadelphia Eagles veteran Brandon Graham as a major influence on his playing style. Like Graham, Oladejo uses exceptional leverage and hand techniques to overcome size disadvantages against larger offensive tackles.
“I study Graham’s game constantly,” Oladejo once shared during a UCLA press conference. “His ability to win with technique rather than just pure athleticism is something I try to incorporate.”
Graham’s longevity in the NFL provides a blueprint for Oladejo. Both players possess similar builds and rely on a combination of power and quickness rather than elite length.
The heavy hands and good power that Oladejo displays mirror Graham’s approach to edge rushing. This technical foundation makes him an intriguing prospect for teams like the Eagles who value technically sound defenders.
Comparison with Current NFL Edge Rushers
When examining Oladejo’s skill set, several parallels emerge with current NFL edge defenders. His impressive speed around the edge combined with quickness to change directions has scouts comparing him to players from the Ravens and Patriots defensive schemes.
Oladejo’s NFL Combine metrics highlight his potential:
| Metric | Score | Rank Among DL |
|---|---|---|
| NGS Athleticism | 77 | 7th |
| Production Score | 67 | – |
| Total Score | 71 | – |
His athleticism score of 77 placed him seventh among defensive linemen at the combine, confirming what film study already suggested about his athletic profile.
What separates Oladejo from other prospects is his transformation from traditional linebacker to explosive edge rusher, demonstrating versatility that NFL teams covet. This positional flexibility resembles how the Patriots have historically utilized defenders.
Draft analysts currently project Oladejo as a Day 2 selection, with his versatility potentially boosting his stock as teams evaluate his fit in multiple defensive schemes.
Preparing for Professional Career
Oluwafemi Oladejo’s journey from UCLA standout to NFL prospect involves intense preparation across multiple fronts. His transformation from linebacker to defensive end has positioned him as one of the more intriguing edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Offseason Training and Conditioning
Oladejo has dedicated himself to a rigorous offseason regimen focused on improving his explosiveness off the edge. Working with specialized position coaches, he’s refined his pass-rush techniques while maintaining the lateral quickness that made him effective in space during his early college career.
At 6’3″ and 259 pounds, Oladejo possesses an ideal frame for the modern EDGE defender. His impressive measurables include nearly 33.5-inch arms and an 80-inch wingspan, physical tools that have scouts taking notice.
The UCLA standout has particularly focused on developing a wider array of pass-rush moves to complement his natural power. His work has paid dividends, as evidenced by his production uptick in 2024.
2024 UCLA Defensive Production:
| Statistic | Total | NCAA Rank (EDGE) |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles for Loss | 13.5 | Top 25 |
| Sacks | 4.5 | – |
| QB Pressures | 32 | – |
Mentoring and Agent Selection
Oladejo has surrounded himself with experienced advisors who understand the transition from college to the professional ranks. His decision to partner with an agency specializing in defensive players reflects his strategic approach to draft preparation.
Former UCLA defensive stars have played key mentorship roles, providing Oladejo with insights on everything from handling pre-draft interviews to managing the substantial lifestyle changes ahead. The defensive end has been particularly receptive to guidance on the business aspects of professional football.
His agent selection process prioritized firms with successful track records placing edge rushers in favorable NFL situations. This emphasis on fit rather than simply draft position demonstrates Oladejo’s maturity and long-term perspective.
Weekly meetings with his representation team have focused on refining his interview skills and developing his personal brand ahead of team meetings. His authenticity and football intelligence have impressed in preliminary discussions with NFL scouts.
Attending the NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Oladejo’s stock continues to rise. Most projections currently place him somewhere in the late first to early second round, with defensive-needy teams showing particular interest.
The Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers have emerged as potential landing spots, both seeking to bolster their pass rush capabilities. The Packers, selecting 26th overall, align particularly well with Oladejo’s projected draft range.
Oladejo has accepted his invitation to attend the draft in person, recognizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the culmination of his college career. His family will join him in the green room, representing the support system that’s been crucial throughout his development.
His draft preparation has included extensive film study of prospective teams’ defensive schemes, ensuring he can speak intelligently about potential fits during team interviews. This proactive approach has further impressed NFL decision-makers evaluating his professional readiness.
Potential Fit with NFL Teams
Oluwafemi Oladejo’s versatility as both an EDGE rusher and former off-ball linebacker makes him an intriguing prospect for several NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive front. His combination of size, length, and tactical understanding has drawn interest from multiple franchises heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Scheme
The Eagles’ defensive scheme under coordinator Vic Fangio presents an ideal landing spot for Oladejo. Philadelphia’s hybrid front would capitalize on his experience as both a standup outside linebacker in odd fronts and as a traditional edge rusher.
At 6’3″ and 259 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Oladejo possesses the physical profile Philadelphia covets for their edge defenders. His background as an off-ball linebacker gives him the coverage versatility that Fangio’s scheme demands.
The Eagles’ tendency to rotate edge rushers would also benefit Oladejo’s development. He wouldn’t need to be an every-down player immediately, allowing him to refine his pass-rush technique while contributing in specific packages.
| Oladejo’s 2024 Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles for Loss | 14.5 |
| Sacks | 4.5 |
| Total Tackles | 67 |
Most draft analysts project Oladejo as a Day 2 selection, potentially fitting Philadelphia’s draft capital needs perfectly.
Patriots’ Defensive Coordinator Interest
New England’s defensive reset under Jerod Mayo makes Oladejo particularly appealing to the Patriots. Mayo’s background as a linebacker gives him special insight into multi-faceted defenders like Oladejo who can play both on and off the ball.
The Patriots’ move toward a more aggressive defensive approach would benefit from Oladejo’s disruptive ability. His 14.5 tackles for loss in 2024 demonstrate his capacity to create negative plays.
New England’s traditional preference for versatile front-seven players aligns perfectly with Oladejo’s skill set. The Patriots have historically valued defenders who can set the edge against the run while providing pass-rush capabilities.
Mayo’s defense requires intelligent players who can process information quickly – a strength for Oladejo given his experience playing multiple positions during his collegiate career at both Cal and UCLA.
With the Patriots holding multiple mid-round picks, Oladejo represents excellent value as they rebuild their defensive identity.
Ravens and Legacy of Defense
Baltimore’s defensive tradition makes Oladejo a natural fit for a franchise built on aggressive front-seven play. The Ravens’ multiple fronts would maximize his versatility as both a pass rusher and former off-ball linebacker.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr, a former linebacker himself, could deploy Oladejo in various roles. His nearly 34-inch arms and power at the point of attack fit Baltimore’s physical defensive identity.
The Ravens’ development track record with edge defenders is unmatched. Under their tutelage, Oladejo could develop his raw tools into refined NFL skills, particularly as a pass rusher.
Baltimore’s scheme frequently asks edge players to drop into coverage – a task Oladejo is uniquely qualified for given his linebacker background. This versatility would allow the Ravens to disguise pressures and coverages more effectively.
Oladejo, who earned the Kenny Clark Award as UCLA’s top defensive lineman in 2024, would continue the Ravens’ tradition of smart, physical defensive players.
Community Engagement
Oladejo has embraced his platform as a UCLA standout to make meaningful contributions in the Los Angeles community. During his time with the Bruins, he has participated in multiple youth football camps. These camps provide guidance to aspiring athletes in underserved neighborhoods.
His volunteer work extends to local schools, where he speaks about the importance of education alongside athletic pursuits. This commitment mirrors the values instilled by UCLA’s athletic department, which emphasizes community service as part of player development.
Notable among his efforts was organizing a book drive for elementary schools in 2024. With the help of teammates, they collected over 1,000 books. This initiative demonstrated his leadership qualities that NFL scouts have noted alongside his on-field abilities.
Oladejo has also been active in UCLA’s “Bruin Buddies” program, which pairs student-athletes with children facing serious medical challenges. His consistent participation has earned him respect among coaches and community leaders alike.
Media and Public Relations
In the era of NIL and heightened media scrutiny, Oladejo has handled public relations with remarkable poise. His articulate interviews following both wins and losses have drawn praise from NFL draft analysts evaluating his professional readiness.
During press conferences, he consistently redirects praise to teammates and coaches. This displays the maturity that has helped him crack the top 100 NFL draft prospects. His humility combined with his analytical breakdown of game situations showcases a football IQ that translates well to professional media environments.
His social media presence remains positive and focused on football, community service, and academic accomplishments. Unlike many prospects, Oladejo has avoided controversy while building a modest but engaged following that will likely expand as his NFL draft stock continues to rise.
The Arizona Cardinals have shown particular interest in Oladejo. Team representatives noted his character and communication skills during recent meetings as significant factors in their evaluation process.
