With the NFL draft beginning Thursday, here’s a look at where UCLA prospects can expect to be selected over the weekend.
Carson Schwesinger
Position: Linebacker
Year: Redshirt junior
Projections: Schwesinger has gone from walk-on to All-American and there is still upside to him. He bypassed his final year of college football eligibility to declare for the draft and met with all 32 NFL teams before holding his own private pro day with 30 teams present. Athleticism and quickness have gotten Schwesinger attention, but it’s his instincts and football IQ that have scouts projecting him as a possible second-round pick and future starter in the league.
Oluwafemi Oladejo
Position: Edge
Size: 6-foot-3, 259 pounds
Projections: Oladejo has made a lot of progress in a short amount of time at edge rusher. Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the No. 13 edge in this year’s draft class, even though he’s only had serious experience at the position for less than a season. Oladejo, who is high energy and explosive, improved his stock at the Senior Bowl and has the versatility to play multiple positions. He could be drafted as high as the third round.
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Kain Medrano
Position: Linebacker
Size: 6-foot-3, 222 pounds
Projections: Medrano clocked 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash as the fastest linebacker at the combine. The Shrine Bowl competitor’s speed and quick movement have many scouts projecting him to be a special-teams player who could work his way into a linebacker role if he adds more weight and cuts down on missed tackles. Medrano will likely hear his name called about the fifth round.
Moliki Matavao
Position: Tight end
Size: 6-foot-6, 260 pounds
Projections: Matavao was the Bruins’ best tight end last season and got increased playing time after injury kept Hudson Habermehl out for the year. He attended the Senior Bowl, has the build of a professional tight end and his receiving ability could make him a late-round pick. However, developing as a run blocker could give him more job security in the NFL.
Jay Toia
Position: Defensive tackle
Year: Senior
Size: 6-foot-2, 342 pounds
Projections: Toia was a crucial member of UCLA’s defensive line, taking on double teams on almost every play and tallying 25 tackles. His size and power are unrefined, which makes it difficult to foretell his future in the NFL. Expect Toia to get picked in the late rounds.
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