FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Edefuan Ulofoshio.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Edefuan Ulofoshio
Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB – Washington)
6’1″ – 236 lbs.
Background:
Walk-on who redshirted in 2018 before starting the last three of thirteen games in 2019 and recording 47-3.5-3.0. Had 47 tackles in the shortened 2020 season, starting all four games, then sustaining a season-ending biceps injury six games into the following year, finishing with 51 tackles over five starts. Missed the first eight games of the following season as well, ending up with just ten tackles, then started all fifteen games this past year and totaled 94-8.0-3.0.
Positives:
Has been highly productive when healthy, and made 2023 his best season. A thickly-built linebacker with good weight distribution and overall flexibility. One of the more instinctive, tougher, and more polished linebackers in this year’s class. Plays with light feet, a solid base, and good knee-bend. Decisive linebacker who reads keys quickly and does a good job of flowing toward the ball. Shows nice lateral quickness when working through traffic between the tackles in the run game. Suddenness in a short area is better than anticipated for a player with his frame. Flashes the ability to take on blockers well; functional strength is good, and hands look quick. Has some burst to his game when he’s able to play downhill. Reliable hit-and-wrap tackler. Gets good extension when taking on blockers. Smooth athlete with the speed to carry running backs into the flat. Can effectively man short zones in coverage.
Negatives:
A bit overaged after spending six years in school. Not the tallest linebacker, and appears to have a maxed-out frame. Overall balance and coordination look closer to average. Doesn’t always get the best extension when taking on blockers. Reliable within his range, but tackling radius is closer to average. Often rotated out of the game when the team went with two linebackers, and may not have the raw athleticism to handle extensive coverage responsibilities at the next level. Medical evaluations may impact his overall draft stock.
Summary:
A smart, thickly-built linebacker with a quick trigger, doing a good job of recognizing play designs and using his quickness, suddenness, and functional strength to flow to the ball and make plays in the run game. Wasn’t asked to handle very extensive snaps or responsibilities in coverage, but as an early-down thumper, few options in the class have as well-rounded and pro-ready a game as he does. Assuming his medicals check out, should be a candidate to come off the board early on the third day in what is a relatively thin linebacker class.
Projection: Round 4
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