Turf Show Times
Six Day 3 prospects with NFL traits
When assessing the Los Angeles Rams draft needs, edge wouldn’t appear to be a position to consider. After all, the starters, Jared Verse and Bryant Young are young and productive, but peeling back that top layer, there is an obvious need.
E#3 Michael Hoecht has gone and taken his versatility and 639 defensive snaps. Who fills that role?
Indeed, the 2025 edge class is deep and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Top 15 (or more) go within the first three rounds. The Rams edge needs aren’t dire, so their early draft capital could be better spent in other places. As it often seems, L.A. finds itself with a bevy of Round 6 selections. While the talent pool thins considerably at this point, the are still a few interesting candidates to consider. I have all these players graded at Round 6 or later, but all have developable NFL traits.
Oladejo spent three seasons at Cal before taking the I-5 south. Originally an off-ball linebacker, UCLA moved him outside to edge for his final season. Highly productive at both stops, he logged 238 tackles, 20.5 for loss, six sacks, and eight passes broken up. Named to the Senior Bowl, where he flashed standout pass-rushing prowess.
Has a linebacker’s dense, proportioned frame with stellar length. Although still quite un-polished off the edge, Oladego shows the athleticism and non-stop motor to be a dominant pass rusher. Flashes a big tool box, but needs to get better stacking those moves in a somewhat controlled manner. More apt to take the direct route rather than bend around the edge. His game is power and leverage with explosive get off and solid punch.
He’s no longer a secret after his Senior Bowl workouts and the only draft riser in this grouping. He could easily go earlier. He’s got the athleticism/physical tools, but with only one year as a full-time edge, is still raw. Play style is like a bull in a china shop, crashing into and through whatever gets in his way.
Took his extra COVID year for five, overall. The 23 year-old played in 59 games with 37 starts. Missed time early in 2024 with a minor knee injury and missed out on the pre-draft showcases with a broken leg.. For his career, he tallied 180 tackles, 38.5 for loss, 22 sacks, four forced fumbles, and four passes defended.
Short compact build with adequate arm length. Makes the most of his small size with plus get-off and hands constantly firing swipes and chops. Has solid bend getting around tackles and beelines for the QB. His quick wins come outside, but he also chalks up hustle tackles by staying in pursuit. At times, can be bullied in the run game, but generally holds his ground well and...
