The Green Bay Packers look to get bigger contributions from their 2024 draft class this season after injuries limited many of them in their rookie year. First round pick Jordan Morgan played just six games while third-round addition MarShawn Lloyd only played one game before being felled by the injury bug. Another player the team is hoping to get bigger contributions from is fifth-round safety Kitan Oladapo. The Packers are hoping Kitan Oladapo can play a bigger role in the defense in 2025.

Can Kitan Oladapo Play a Bigger Role in the Packers Defense: Injuries Slowed him During His Rookie Year

The Packers knew Oladapo would have issues in his rookie season when they selected him in last season’s draft. He broke his toe during position drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. That meant he was trying to play catch up during training camp.

Oladapo has great size for a safety and could even be a hybrid safety/linebacker at 6’2” and 216 pounds. Scouting reports touted his ability to play the run and to play close to the line of scrimmage in the box. In college, he also effectively blitzed the quarterback. He had at least one sack in four straight collegiate seasons. Oladapo also showed the versatility the Packers like. He played almost equal snaps in the box, the slot and deep in coverage.

The Oregon State alum played in nine games last season with most of his action on special teams. Oladapo played a total of 68 snaps on defense all season with 50 of them coming during the season finale against the Bears. He made seven total tackles on the season.

His teammates were impressed with how he handled his assignments in that final game against Chicago. “He was on his details,” All Pro safety Xavier McKinney said after the game. “He was in constant communication with me, and he played a really good game. He’s growing as a player.”

The Competition

If everybody stays healthy, Oladapo is unlikely to play a major role on defense. McKinney will be one starter at safety with Evan Williams and Javon Bullard likely to be the top candidates to start opposite McKinney. That leaves Oladapo and veteran Zayne Anderson as next up on the depth chart entering training camp this season.

The Packers could look for a sub package to utilize Oladapo in. His size is unique, and he has tools that the other safeties on the roster lack. He could play on obvious running downs, in short yardage or be used in a blitz package. Before last season, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Oladapo could also contribute in a Big Nickel package.

For the most part, Oladapo will again primarily see the field on special teams. His ability to contribute there is what will help him make the roster this season. Ultimately, the key for Oladapo is to take another step forward and show he’s getting closer to competing for a bigger role on defense.

Can Kitan Oladapo Play a Bigger Role in the Packers Defense: Looking Ahead

After the draft, Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan was enthused about Oladapo’s potential. “He’s a big, 6-2, 216-pound kid. Long arms. Aggressive — when he hits you, you go down,” he said. “He’s a very good athlete at that size. He can pedal, he can flip, he can turn. He’s versatile, more of a true safety but he can play that big nickel or will linebacker if you need him too. The playstyle. Very smart. Captain as well. One, good football player, and two, the kind of person we want to infuse in this locker room.”

Now, it’s up to Oladapo to start reaching his potential in his second NFL season. He faces an uphill battle for playing time on defense, but if he can take a step forward, the future will look bright.

 

 

 

 

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