Femi Oladejo: The Journey from Linebacker to EDGE Rusher

When Femi Oladejo was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft, he was immediately hailed as one of the most physically impressive players to enter the league. Standing 6’3″ and weighing in at a solid 259 pounds, Oladejo’s frame alone was enough to draw attention. However, what truly stood out was his leg strength – a feature that helped him dominate both in college and now has the potential to make him a formidable force in the NFL.

But what’s even more intriguing about Oladejo’s story is the unconventional path he took to get to this point. Despite his imposing physical presence, Oladejo was primarily used as an inside linebacker (ILB) for much of his collegiate career at UCLA, only moving to the EDGE position midway through the 2024 season. This transition, which came after an injury to another player, might have been unexpected to some, but it was the catalyst for unlocking Oladejo’s full potential. In fact, his brief yet impressive stint as an EDGE rusher is one of the key reasons the Titans saw him as a prime prospect to draft.

In this analysis, we’ll explore Femi Oladejo’s development as a player, the decision to move him to EDGE, and what made him stand out on the field, making him a prime selection for the Titans’ defense.

Born and raised in the United States, Femi Oladejo had an active childhood, participating in various sports that showcased his natural athleticism and explosive power. From a young age, it was clear that Oladejo had a unique physical build, with leg strength that set him apart from his peers. His family, aware of his potential, pushed him to harness this strength in a variety of athletic endeavors.

His love for football came early, and Oladejo was soon known for his intensity and commitment. High school scouts quickly took note of the young athlete, and by the time he was ready to graduate, several universities had already expressed interest in recruiting him.

Oladejo’s recruitment to UCLA was based on his combination of size, speed, and raw talent. While many schools saw him as a potential defensive end or outside linebacker, UCLA saw his versatility and moved him to inside linebacker upon his arrival. The idea was to utilize his sideline-to-sideline speed, tackling ability, and mental acuity in a position where he could direct the defense and be involved in stopping both the run and the pass.

Initially, Oladejo struggled to adapt to the responsibilities of the inside linebacker position. Playing as a linebacker required a different mindset than he had been accustomed to at the high school level, where he often dominated as an edge rusher. Still, he worked tirelessly, applying himself to understand his responsibilities within the defensive scheme. His work ethic was unwavering, and his coaches praised his discipline and ability to pick up the nuances of the position.

Despite the steep learning curve, Oladejo began to show flashes of the elite talent that would later define him as an EDGE rusher. He displayed impressive range, the ability to diagnose plays quickly, and an ability to shed blocks in short-yardage situations. However, his true potential hadn’t been realized yet.

The most significant turning point in Oladejo’s career came during the fourth game of the 2024 season, when UCLA suffered an injury to one of their star defensive players. With the team’s defensive line already banged up, the coaching staff had to get creative and find a way to patch up their defense. It was at this moment that Oladejo was moved from his inside linebacker role to the EDGE position.

The change was, in many ways, a revelation. Oladejo’s combination of size and strength made him an ideal fit for the EDGE position, and as soon as he hit the field, the difference was apparent. His powerful legs, which had already given him a significant advantage as an inside linebacker, allowed him to explode off the line of scrimmage in a way that most offensive tackles couldn’t handle. His quick first step, paired with his brute strength, made him an immediate threat on passing downs. He became a nightmare for quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike, showcasing his natural pass-rushing instincts that had been untapped until then.

Over the next several games, Oladejo began to rack up sacks, tackles for loss, and pressures. His ability to bend the edge and his raw power were evident, and he quickly became a key component of UCLA’s defense. His performance as an EDGE rusher in the latter half of the 2024 season not only solidified his spot on the team but also put him on the radar of NFL scouts.

Femi Oladejo’s physical gifts are one of the primary reasons for his success on the football field. While many players at the collegiate and professional levels possess elite athleticism, it’s his leg strength that sets him apart. Oladejo’s legs are often described as “tree trunks” – thick, powerful, and capable of generating an immense amount of force.

These muscular legs allow Oladejo to deliver punishing blows when engaging offensive linemen or pursuing quarterbacks. His leg strength also gives him the balance and stability needed to shed blockers and avoid being taken off his path. Whether he’s rushing the passer or defending the run, his legs play an integral role in his success. In addition to his physicality, Oladejo also possesses quick feet, which allow him to change direction rapidly, a valuable skill for any edge rusher.

Moreover, Oladejo’s lower body mechanics are exceptionally well-developed. His squat form and deadlift power make him an excellent candidate for explosive movements like bull-rushing offensive linemen or spinning past blockers with speed. His thick thighs and well-defined calves contribute to his athletic profile, making him not only one of the most physically imposing rookies in his draft class but also one of the most intriguing.

After making the switch to EDGE rusher, Oladejo’s impact was immediate. Over the course of the 2024 season, he tallied 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in just nine games. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt the pocket became one of the defining features of UCLA’s defense. He often found himself in the opponent’s backfield, forcing quarterbacks to make hurried throws or take sacks.

One of the most notable aspects of Oladejo’s game was his versatility. While he primarily rushed from the EDGE, he was also capable of lining up inside and rushing from the interior when needed. This adaptability made him a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators, who struggled to predict where he would line up and how he would attack.

His most dominant game came against one of UCLA’s toughest opponents, where he registered four sacks, forced two fumbles, and consistently made life difficult for the opposing quarterback. This performance solidified his status as one of the best EDGE rushers in the 2025 draft class.

Femi Oladejo’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was met with excitement, as many scouts saw him as one of the most physically gifted players available. His performance during the second half of the 2024 season was enough to convince NFL teams that he had the potential to be a top-tier pass rusher at the next level.

When the Titans selected Oladejo, it was clear that they were looking for a player who could make an immediate impact on their defensive line. With his combination of power, speed, and flexibility, Oladejo seemed to be a perfect fit for the Titans’ aggressive defensive scheme.

At the NFL level, Oladejo will need to continue refining his pass-rush technique, particularly when it comes to using his hands to disengage from blockers. However, given his explosive athleticism and ability to learn, it’s expected that he will quickly adjust to the NFL’s higher level of competition.

Femi Oladejo’s potential in the NFL is sky-high. With his physicality and natural athleticism, he has the ability to become one of the league’s premier pass rushers. His legs, described as tree trunks by many, will continue to be a major asset as he faces off against some of the best offensive linemen in the world.

As the Titans look to bolster their pass rush and create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Oladejo’s development will be critical. With time and experience, he could evolve into a cornerstone of the Titans’ defense, a player who commands double teams and consistently disrupts offensive schemes.

In conclusion, Femi Oladejo’s journey from inside linebacker to EDGE rusher has been a remarkable one. His physical attributes, especially his impressive leg strength, make him a unique player who is poised for success at the highest level of football. As he transitions to the NFL, the Titans will be looking to harness his potential and turn him into a dominant force on their defense. Oladejo’s story is one of hard work, adaptability, and raw talent, and he’s only just beginning to scratch the surface of what he can achieve in the NFL.