FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oregon State defensive back Kitan Oladapo.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kitan Oladapo
Kitan Oladapo (DB – Oregon State)
6’1″ – 217 lbs.
Background:
Kitan Oladapo redshirted in 2018 and played just two snaps in 2019 before starting the last of the Beavers’ seven games in the shortened 2020 season, finishing with 26 tackles. Has been a full-time starter ever since. Recorded 69 tackles, one interception and eight breakups in 2021. He followed that up with 80 tackles and six breakups the next year. In 2023, he totaled 74 tackles, two interceptions and eight breakups.
Positives:
Big, experienced three-year starter who’s been asked to play in the box, as a high safety, and from the slot in nearly equal proportions. Good pre-snap communicator. Brings a relatively patient and conservative approach. Uses his hands well to feel routes developing and stay connected when working in the slot. Pins opponents to the sidelines on wheel routes or other outside releases. Flips his hips pretty well for a bigger defender. Makes clean transitions to drive on a spot. Has good length and his on-ball production has been solid. Was mostly covering receivers during the games reviewed but he has the size and strength to potentially play against tight ends. Willing in run support with a quick trigger. Has impressive suddenness to slip blocks and get to the football. Generally takes sound angles to the ball in pursuit. Thudding hitter who can help set the tone defensively when he lines up opponents. Tackling has been very reliable throughout his career with a wide radius and good functional strength. Breaks down in the open field.
Negatives:
Still developing his anticipation. Can be frozen or sucked in by misdirection at times and doesn’t have the raw speed to recover. May not have the range to play single-high and wasn’t asked to do much during the games reviewed; typically either in the box, slot, or a robber role. Not the smoothest or most fluid mover and may struggle to stick with quick wideouts. Lets receivers cross his face a bit too easily in off-coverage from the slot. Balance can be an issue when taking on blocks. Desire to work around opponents can lead to some inefficiencies in pursuit.
Summary:
A big, experienced safety who can do a little bit of everything, whether cover receivers from the slot, serve as a robber or drop down into the box and defend the run. With his patient style of play and reliable tackling skills he should appeal to a relatively conservative defense with a “bend, don’t break” approach. While he may lack the raw speed and athleticism to play in single-high or match up against quicker receivers, his overall versatility and relatively pro-ready game should get him mid-round consideration.
Projection: Round 5
More 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
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- Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – Missouri)
- Kalen King (CB – Penn State)
- Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
- Khyree Jackson (CB – Oregon)
- D.J. James (CB – Auburn)
- Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
- Kris Abrams-Draine (CB – Missouri)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
- T.J. Tampa (CB – Iowa State)
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
- Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
- Nehemiah Pritchett (CB – Auburn)
- Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)
- Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
- Caelen Carson (CB – Wake Forest)
- Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
- Max Melton (CB – Rutgers)
- Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
Defensive Backs
- Calen Bullock (DB – USC)
- Beau Brade (DB – Maryland)
- James Williams (DB – Miami)
- Jaden Hicks (DB – Washington State)
- Sione Vaki (DB – Utah)
- Javon Bullard (DB – Georgia)
- Cole Bishop (DB – Utah)
- Tykee Smith (DB – Georgia)
- Malik Mustapha (DB – Wake Forest)
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