Film observations for UCLA DE Oluwafemi Oladejo—a potential Detroit Lions target in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Oluwafemi Oladejo is an unpolished edge rusher prospect with desirable versatility and burst off the edge. He went from an off-ball linebacker—who was fifth in the Pac-12 conference in total tackles (91) at Cal as a sophomore in 2022—to an outside linebacker edge rusher after Week 2 this season. There, he finished fourth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (14). Below are my observations of the potential SAM linebacker fit’s game, including positive traits, deficient traits, and other observations from his tape. Please note, all of my observations will be from this season when he played more as a defensive lineman.
UCLA DE Oluwafemi Oladejo
Measurables:
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 259 pounds
- Arm length: 33 3/8 inches
- RAS: N/A
While Oladejo doesn’t have a RAS score, the high-energy edge rusher confirmed his explosive traits with his 36 1/2-inch vertical jump and 10-foot broad jump.
Games watched
- 2024 Penn State
- 2024 Southern Cal
- 2024 Fresno State
Positive traits
- Initiates contact by shooting and extending his hands, often striking first against blockers.
- Plays with impressive torque and control in run defense, particularly on the edge. Though listed around 250 pounds, he’s more sturdy and stout than expected—his feet and hips sync well with hand deployment to maintain leverage.
- Shows the ability to penetrate and slant into gaps effectively, especially upstream against zone blocking. At times, he even splits double teams with controlled aggression.
- Possesses excellent pursuit speed and backside motor—likely a byproduct of his former life as a linebacker.
- He thrives as the option pitch defender, and once single-handedly devastated a Penn State speed option. His speed and athleticism when put in the bind of defending an option is unmatched by any current Detroit Lions edge rusher.
- He’s an active run defender that is challenging to be cut-off with a backside block
- Sets the edge well and also eats up lead blockers in run defense. Jacked up the 350+ pound guard Penn State, who had already collected a few body bags in the game, on a pull block at the point of attack.
- In the pass rush, his bread-and-butter is a variety of speed-based euro-step moves attacking the outside shoulder—using a mix of swims, swipes, and swats to propel past offensive tackles.
- One of his most intriguing traits is his ability to manipulate pace. Against Penn State, he repeatedly lulled tackles with slow-played get-offs before bursting past them in a flash—a game of hopscotch that puts linemen on their heels.
- While less frequent, his bull rush shows flashes—he can convert speed to power, drop his pad level, and generate push with strong balance to get underneath offensive tackles.
- Flexible ankles, with good pliability, when bending the corner. Maintains balance through contact and turns the corner cleanly in pursuit of the quarterback.
- Comfortable dropping into zone coverage from the edge, showing awareness and closing speed when attacking downhill on check-downs.
- Offers versatility as a stand-up spinner on passing downs, occasionally rotating inside and flashing success beating guards with his high-velocity play.
Deficient traits
- Plays with reckless abandon at times, often over-pursuing with little regard for offensive misdirection. His aggressive play style can lead to breakdowns against play action and screen passes, where he’s too chaotic and easily out-leveraged. There are times an offensive coordinator should decide he’s due for a wham block to turn him into an upside-down turtle.
- While he flows well downhill and closes quickly in zone coverage, he shows some stiffness and hesitation in man coverage situations, especially when isolated against running backs.
- Currently a one-trick pony as a pass rusher, relying heavily on raw speed to win around the edge. Lacks polish and diversity in his approach, with little evidence of a developed pass rush repertoire or plan.
- Tends to stop his upper-body activity if his initial rush doesn’t win. Though his feet stay active, his hands become stagnant, leaving him locked up and ineffective. Developing more refined hand usage is essential for next-level success. Counter moves will elevate his game immensely.
- Offers little threat to the inside shoulder of the tackle. Outside of one early win on an inside move vs. Penn State, there’s limited evidence of interior pass rush capability, when it could open things up for him.
- Had six consecutive ineffective pass rush attempts during Fresno State’s final possession while trailing in a two-minute drill—missed a chance to showcase being a late-game closer.
Other observations
- Frequently deployed within UCLA’s dog-and-pony three-man defensive fronts — including some 3-2 dime looks — which limited traditional edge responsibilities and pass-rush opportunities.
- Took snaps as a 3-technique in both 3-point and 2-point stances, primarily as part of his spinner role, though he occasionally aligned there in run defense—including one standout short-yardage rep where he stood up a Penn State guard for a tackle for loss.
- Evaluating his pass rush against USC was difficult due to the offense’s reliance on RPOs, screens, and rollouts, which largely eliminated clean one-on-one pass rush chances.
- According to sideline reporter Rhett Lewis, Oladejo wasn’t feeling 100% in the Fresno State game—coming off a week when their opponent USC had flu issues. He missed the final two possessions of the first half and ultimately played just 35 snaps, well below his usual 85% snap share. It showed, as he wasn’t able to get into a groove, and the tape didn’t offer a full glimpse of his potential.
- Penn State’s offense featured a heavy dose of tempo and no-huddle, often running away from Oladejo’s side.
- Was undergoing a baptism by fire following the in-season position change but flashed solid instincts, especially for someone still adjusting to edge responsibilities. He’s raw at the position, but not inexperienced as a defender.
- In run defense, he squares up and engages offensive tackles with solid technique, but in pass rush mode, he consistently favors the outside shoulder rather than engaging directly.
- UCLA rarely incorporated line games like twists or stunts, minimizing chances to see him operate as a looper—something he could potentially excel at with his movement skills.
- Likely too raw to justify post-Combine hype projections (e.g., Mel Kiper Jr. mocks drafting him to Detroit at Pick No. 28).
- Flashed a late, ineffective spin move against Fresno State’s right tackle after his initial pass rush was stalled. Still, it was a small glimpse of an attempt at a second-reaction tool.
- Provides some pre-snap versatility—shifting between defensive end and stand-up linebacker position seamlessly.
- Occasionally utilized as a spy who converted into a delayed rusher.
- Logged snaps from both sides of the formation but played over 70% of his 2024 reps on the left side.