Titans Rookie Oluwafemi Oladejo inspired by T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby and Micah Parsons, aims to revive pass rush after Harold Landry exit

The Tennessee Titans stunned the NFL when they released veteran linebacker Harold Landry III in March. Landry had just led the team with nine sacks in 2024, making his exit a surprise for fans.

The move marked a defensive reset, with the franchise turning to the 2025 NFL Draft for a new pass-rushing anchor.

Titans draft Oluwafemi Oladejo to lead defensive reset

Tennessee addressed its defensive need in the second round by drafting Oluwafemi Oladejo, a versatile edge rusher built to energize a stagnant pass rush. While officially an edge rusher, Oladejo offers more than just quarterback pressure. The Titans plan to deploy him in a hybrid role, capable of attacking off the edge and dropping into coverage when needed.The Titans recorded just 32 sacks last season, tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. This lack of pressure allowed opposing quarterbacks too much comfort, costing Tennessee key games. ESPN’s Turron Davenport reported that the team sees Oladejo as a key piece in reviving a struggling pass rush.

Oluwafemi Oladejo learns from NFL’s best edge rushers

Determined to make an immediate impact, Oladejo has been studying elite edge rushers like T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby, and Micah Parsons.

His path mirrors Parsons, who successfully transitioned from middle linebacker to dominant edge rusher in the NFL. Oladejo followed a similar journey, starting as a middle linebacker at California and UCLA before moving to defensive end late in college.“The biggest thing playing on the edge is your get-off,” Oladejo said. “If you have a good get-off and play with your hands, it can make up for anything.” His dedication to fundamentals and technique could be exactly what the Titans need to turn their pass rush around.FAQsWhy did the Tennessee Titans release Harold Landry III?The Titans released Harold Landry III in March 2025 despite his nine-sack season to reset their defense and create room for younger pass rushers like Oluwafemi Oladejo.Who is Oluwafemi Oladejo and what role will he play for the Titans?Oluwafemi Oladejo is a rookie edge rusher drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He will play a hybrid role, rushing quarterbacks off the edge while also dropping into coverage when needed.Which NFL stars inspire Oluwafemi Oladejo’s playing style?Oladejo studies elite pass rushers T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby, and Micah Parsons, modeling his explosiveness and versatility after their success.Also Read: George Pickens calls himself an ‘Alien’ as he transforms Dallas Cowboys offense with CeeDee Lamb

A rookie carrying Tennessee’s 2025 defensive hopes

With Harold Landry gone, the Titans are betting big on youth and versatility. If Oladejo can convert his athleticism and preparation into production, he could transform Tennessee’s defense and become one of the NFL’s breakout rookies in 2025.