UCLA EDGE Femi Oladejo has seen his pre-draft stock “explode” since the conclusion of the 2024 season. That's how one scout put it in conversations. Oladejo has dominated the Senior Bowl and pre-draft circuit. It's within the realm of possibility that he's selected in the first round.
Oladejo recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Oladejo discussed the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine gauntlet, his evolving pass-rush arsenal, and more.
JM: Last we spoke, you were headed to the Senior Bowl with something to prove. You passed that test with flying colors. Are scouts treating you differently since then?
Femi Oladejo: I guess they are (laughs). You could definitely say that. It was a great experience down in Mobile. I was thankful for the opportunity. I tried to go out there and dominate. It was all about making a name for myself.
JM: You carried that momentum over to the NFL Combine. You leaped a 36.5-inch vertical. Were you pleased with the overall performance?
Femi Oladejo: I think I had the right mindset. I went out there and looked good in individual drills. I brought the energy. I jumped high and performed well overall. It was another good showcase for me.
JM: Combining all of it together, the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, what’s the general feedback you’re getting from scouts nowadays?
Femi Oladejo: I’ve definitely been hearing a lot of positive feedback. Teams are telling me that they are highly intrigued by me. They’ve told me that my pre-draft stock “exploded” throughout this process. They see something special in me.
JM: It’s obvious what they see. You made the switch from off-ball linebacker to EDGE in the middle of the 2024 season and immediately thrived, totaling 4.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. Teams must feel like you're just scratching the surface of your potential as a pass rusher.
Femi Oladejo: 100% it is. I’ve only played 10 games at EDGE, 11 if you count the Senior Bowl. I’m only going to get better from here.
JM: You've been spending the last few months honing in on your pass-rush arsenal. How have you seen it evolve this offseason?
Femi Oladejo: I’ve had a chance to sit down and watch a lot of guys on tape. I’ve been studying guys like Jonathan Greenard, Danielle Hunter, Micah Parsons, Will Anderson Jr., and T.J. Watt. I’ve also been learning from a great pass-rushing coach in Brandon Tucker [Trench Warfare].
JM: Brandon Tucker and the Trench Warfare team are one of the best. What has he been adding to your arsenal?
Femi Oladejo: Yes sir, I’ve been working with that team in Dallas over the past three months. We’ve been working on converting speed to power and my cross-chop. We’re also adding the long-arm and club to my overall set of moves. He’s making me a better pass rusher.
JM: That’s so much fun. If you could hand-pick the quarterback for your first career sack, who would it be and why?
Femi Oladejo: I’d probably go with Patrick Mahomes.
JM: Didn’t the Eagles get him enough in the Super Bowl?
Femi Oladejo: You’re not wrong (laughs). They got after him.
JM: You’ve been busy. Do you have any team visits or private workouts coming up? It’s that time of year.
Femi Oladejo: I’m actually at the airport about to head to my first visit with the Houston Texans. I have like 10 more visits after this one. I just had a workout with the New Orleans Saints earlier today [Thursday, March 27]. I’m visiting the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Philadelphia Eagles as well. There are a few more in there.
JM: Wow, there’s a ton of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time. This conversation has highlighted exactly why you should be a first-round pick. What kind of impact is Femi Oladejo going to make at the next level?
Femi Oladejo: I’m going to make a massive impact. I’m going to make a team better right away through my football character, leadership, energy, and integrity.
