The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their linebacker depth by signing Adetokunbo Ogundeji to their active roster. This move comes as the Steelers look to strengthen their defensive front, bringing in Ogundeji, a promising and versatile player who has showcased his talent in the NFL since being drafted in 2021.
Ogundeji was originally selected in the fifth round (182nd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Notre Dame, where he developed into a standout edge rusher. During his time with the Fighting Irish, Ogundeji demonstrated his ability to disrupt offenses, recording 78 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks over four seasons. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he emerged as a key defensive leader for Notre Dame, helping the team to a College Football Playoff berth.
In his rookie season with the Falcons, Ogundeji quickly earned playing time, appearing in 16 games and making 11 starts. He recorded 33 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and five quarterback hits, proving his ability to impact the game both as a pass rusher and in run defense. His combination of size (6’4″, 268 pounds) and athleticism allowed him to fit into multiple defensive schemes, making him a versatile asset for the Falcons’ defense. However, Ogundeji’s second year in Atlanta saw limited playing time due to injury, leading to the Falcons ultimately parting ways with him before the start of the 2023 season.
The Steelers, who have been looking to add depth to their linebacker group, see Ogundeji as a potential fit within their defensive rotation. His skillset aligns well with the Steelers’ defensive philosophy, which places a premium on physicality and versatility in the front seven. While the Steelers have strong starters in their linebacker corps, depth and injury concerns make Ogundeji’s addition a valuable insurance policy. His ability to play both outside linebacker and defensive end in certain formations gives Pittsburgh more flexibility in how they deploy their pass rush.
Ogundeji will now have the opportunity to earn playing time in one of the NFL’s most storied defensive units. The Steelers have a tradition of developing strong linebackers, and Ogundeji will look to follow in the footsteps of the great pass rushers that have come through Pittsburgh. If he can stay healthy and tap into his potential, this signing could pay dividends for the Steelers as they continue their push for success in the highly competitive AFC North.
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