'I'm just scratching the surface': Femi Oladejo is the exact type of player Mike Borgonzi and the Titans told us they would draft
Femi Oladejo is a developmental piece for the Titans.
NASHVILLE – After moving down 17 spots in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, the Tennessee Titans used the 52nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on UCLA edge rusher Femi Oladejo.
Oladejo is a converted inside linebacker that has only been playing on the edge for one season (10 games). His limited experience at the position means he is one of the most raw talents in the entire draft, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.
Due to his roots as an inside linebacker, Oldadejo has been a tremendous run defender and excelled at setting the edge. He just needs to get more polished and get after the passer more consistently.
On one hand, the Titans moving down 17 spots means they missed an opportunity to get an immediately impactful player. Nick Emmanwori or Donovan Ezeiruaku would have been immediate upgrades for the Titans. Luther Burden III would have been a fun weapon for Cam Ward to throw to from the jump. I don't expect Oladejo to be a day one starter in Tennessee's defense. But we shouldn't be surprised by that. It has been Mike Borgonzi's philosophy all along.
"Part of the draft process is projecting like two, three years from now, what they're going to be. What's this player going to look like in year two or three? And that's really where I think the good team separate themselves in these later rounds when you're really digging on this talent," said Borgonzi during the Titans' pre-draft press conference. "You're really trying to find what are the certain traits that are going to project this guy to one day be a contributor or a starter at that level."
As part of this multi-year rebuild the Titans are looking for players with traits that can be developed by their coaching staff. Oladejo is a low-floor, high-ceiling player. But if you ask him, he's only scratching the surface of what he is capable of.
"I believe I'm just scratching the surface," Oldaejo said in an interview with AtoZ Sports a few weeks ago. "I turn 22 in September. I'll go into my rookie season at 21. There's so much upside. I only had one season and it wasn't even a full season. I believe with more experience and more reps, just like anything in life, I'll continue ton get better."
It's a big risk for the Titans. But that's what this new regime is all about. They are taking big swings and betting on themselves to evaluate and develop.
Femi Oladejo fits into the multi-year plans in Tennessee perfectly. Now it's time to see what kind of role he can carve out for himself as a rookie in Dennard Wilson's defense. We all know the Titans could use the help on the edge.
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