The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
From walk-on to captain, Edefuan Ulofoshio’s story during his time at the University of Washington is one of perseverance. After missing 14 straight games and playing just 84 snaps last season, Ulofoshio has put together a stellar season patrolling the middle of the field for the Huskies this season. The former walk-on enters the National Championship Game on Monday against Michigan with 90 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and one pick-six.
After redshirting in 2018, Ulofoshio started in three games during the 2019 season and finished his second year at UW with 47 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Huskies played just four games and Ulofoshio recorded 47 tackles and one sack.
Ulofoshio’s 2021 season came to an early end after six games due to a biceps injury. Before suffering that season-ending injury, he racked up 51 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. The Washington linebacker suffered another setback when he suffered a leg injury which forced him to miss the first eight games of the 2022 season.
Now, he has one game left in a Husky uniform and his impact on the Husky program over the years goes beyond his performance on the field.
Bucky Irving wanted nothing to do with Edefuan Ulofoshio.
From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio is an absolute dog. Can't help but root for him. #Eddy pic.twitter.com/ldNvMEKCTP
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) January 3, 2024
“Not only is he a fantastic football player with a lot of snaps under his belt, but Eddie is also an extremely hard worker and fantastic leader,” Roman Tomashoff, a UW writer for SI.com, said. “He’s left a mark on each and every member of Washington’s defense and even if he just ends up as a rotational player in the NFL, his mentality and personality will shine through in a locker room.”
Ulofoshio is all heart and his motor is always running. He trusts his eyes and is quick to react to meet ball carriers in the hole. Ulofoshio has outstanding closing burst and shows good range as a run defender. He has a high football IQ and takes the quickest route to the ball carrier. It’s rare to see him out of position.
There may be questions about his functional strength and he’d benefit from playing behind the likes of Kenny Clark. During his first 743 snaps, Ulofoshio had just seven missed tackles. This past season he had 11 missed tackles. By no means is he a bad tackler, it’s just a potential red flag that could keep him off team’s boards.
“He’s a sure, physical tackler who rarely lets ball carriers out of his grasp,” Tomashoff said. “He’s also a very good pass rusher when asked to blitz and does a great job identifying holes in the offensive line. His IQ helps him identify the play very quickly and he shoots gaps with ease.”
Ulofoshio shows good instincts in coverage and looks comfortable carrying running backs and tight ends in coverage. He’s quick to react and explodes downhill to limit yards after the catch.
“I think he’ll be solid in pass coverage at the NFL level,” Tomashoff said. “He’s not going to be a guy that will ever be asked to play man coverage, but he’s smart enough to know how to cover his zone effectively and rally to the ball.”
Highest Graded LB in Coverage This Season:
🟣 Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington: 91.0 pic.twitter.com/GgKra3CQzb
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 5, 2024
Fit with the Packers
De’Vondre Campell may or may not be back with the Green Bay Packers this offseason. The veteran linebacker has battled injuries this season and has struggled to rediscover his 2021 form.
If the Packers opt to move on from the veteran linebacker they may wait until day three to find a future running mate for Quay Walker. Enter Ulofoshio.
The Washington linebacker is a prospect that’s going to impress during the interview process and have teams pounding the table for him when day three of the draft rolls around.
With his competitive makeup, football IQ and special teams experience (431 career snaps), Ulofoshio could be the ideal pick as the Packers look to add depth to the linebacker room or he could be viewed as the potential starting linebacker alongside Walker if the Packers decide to part ways with Campbell.
