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Olakunle Fatukasi NFL Draft Profile
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Olakunle Fatukasi Scouting ReportOlakunle has filled out his frame with good thickness. He plays at full speed at all time with an active motor and determined quickness in pursuit. He is good to key and diagnose skills. He quickly locates the ball and shows no wasted motion in getting there. He has adequate lateral agility to avoid blockers and shows good vision, anticipation. Olakunle flashes strength to punch or stiff arm to get off blocks. He stays with plays downfield, often making tackles even after being hit by multiple linemen. He plays fast, flows with the action. He shows smooth lateral agility and short area burst. He has good instincts and awareness to quickly find the ball. Fatukasi is an intelligent player who can play the "MIKE" linebacker, to make the calls for adjustments and is the communicator on defense. He understanding to read the quarterback to anticipate and is a candidate to play outside.
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Areas for ImprovementOlakunle saught looking into the backfield occasionally instead of getting to the receiver in the flat. He leaves his feet at times while tackling, and NFL backs will take advantage of that. He lacks the strength to blow up power backs and lacks the bulk/length to prevent getting engulfed by better linemen at the second level. Fatukasi gets caught with the eyes in the backfield at times. He lacks functional strength to shed and take on blocks at the point of attack. He attempts to make the tackle but if not in position, stronger backs can run through his tackle attempts. He can be too hesitant when he does not find the ball immediately. Olakunle lacks elite quickness and change of direction ability to handle NFL slot receivers after initial contact. His aggressive style of play, causes him to play undisciplined and at times overpursue.
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Olakunle Fatukasi Career at RutgersOlakunle helped Grand Street Campus to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the PSAL City Conference semifinals in 2016. He finished senior campaign with 131 tackles, five sacks, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He was First Team All New York by USA Today. As a freshman at Rutgers he played in all 12 games. He totaled six tackles on special teams and one at linebacker. Fatukasi appeared in 11 games as a sophomore, He totaled 20 tackles, including four on special teams to tie for the team lead. He had 1.5 tackles for loss. He recovered a fumble for a touchdown. As a junior, he played in all 12 games with 10 starts at weak side linebacker. He was second on the team and 11th in the Big Ten following the regular season with 85 tackles. He led the defense in tackles in three games. He had two games with double digit stops. He picked up 4.5 tackles for loss with an assisted sack. He broke up three passes, forced and recovered a fumble. Olakunle started all nine games at linebacker as a senior. He was named one of the 16 national semifinalists for the Butkus Award (11/29), which honors the best linebacker in the country. He earned First Team All Big Ten by the media and Second Team by the coaches (12/15). Returned as a redshirt senior, Fatukasi started the first nine games at linebacker. He finished career ranked 12th in the program history with 302 career tackles in 53 games. He named one of the 16 national semifinalists for the Butkus Award (11/2) for the second straight year. He was voted Third Team All Big Ten by the media and honorable mention by the coaches (11/30). |
Olakunle Fatukasi NFL Draft Player ProfileOlakunle is a fifth year senior that plays at full speed with an active motor. He is ranked 12th in Scarlet Knights in tackles with 302 over 53 games. An intelligent player that can play multiple roles at linebacker with good communication skills. He also has the understanding to read the quarterback to anticipate as a candidate to play on the outside. Olakunle is considered primarily a run defender, he lived up to the billing as the Rutgers’ defense held Syracuse to just 74 yards rushing. Fatukasi is a tough two-down defender who projects well as a late-round selection. He has two brothers one already playing his fourth year in the NFL for the New York Jets, in Folorunso. His other brother Tunde was his team mate at Rutgers.
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