Tennessee Titans sophomore defensive end Femi Oladejo is entering a critical season. General manager Mike Borgonzi was largely praised for putting together a really strong 2025 NFL Draft class. The immediate question was Oladejo, who failed to provide answers as a rookie.
Oladejo was viewed as a developmental prospect coming out of UCLA after undergoing a position change from linebacker to pass rusher midway through his final season. Despite that, the Titans felt comfortable drafting him with the 52nd pick. Unfortunately, an injury prevented Oladejo from getting the playing time he needed.
Unsurprisingly, Oladejo began his rookie season in rather slow fashion. Just when some believed he was turning a corner, Oladejo suffered a season-ending fractured leg injury in Week 6. Now, the 2026 campaign may be considered a now-or-never one.
Femi Oladejo must show what he's made of in Titans' new defense
Oladejo failed to record a single sack as a rookie. He wasn't a physical participant at OTAs and minicamp due to an undisclosed injury. He missed crucial offseason reps in head coach Robert Saleh's new defense.
The Titans acquired several defensive ends this offseason. They traded for Jermaine Johnson II, who played for Coach Saleh with the New York Jets. Johnson is a perfect fit for the scheme, and could take playing time away from Oladejo.
Borgonzi also traded up during the 2026 NFL Draft to select former Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. Faulk is viewed as a prototypical defender for Saleh's scheme. Free-agent signing Jacob Martin, who also played for Saleh previously, is another factor.
Fortunately for Oladejo, Saleh oversees a defensive system that relies heavily on rotation up front. When healthy, the sophomore second-round pick should receive ample opportunities to impact the game. What Oladejo does with those opportunities will ultimately determine how many chances he receives.
Coach Saleh has expressed excitement over coaching Oladejo in his defense this campaign. The Titans are counting on him being an impactful defender. It's not too late, but Oladejo's long-term stock could rely on his 2026 output.
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