Hakeem

Adeniji

The left side of the Cowboys’ offensive line is ailing. OT Tyler Guyton is currently sidelined by a fracture in his knee, and three backups have also picked up injuries: OG Rob Jones (neck), OT Matt Waletzko (ankle) and OT Hakeem Adeniji (concussion). The Cowboys will host former RT La’el Collins for a workout this weekend.

The former 2020 sixth-round pick last took regular season snaps in 2022. Adeniji spent the 2023 season serving as a part-time special teamer, and although he was technically on the Browns’ 2024 roster, he missed the full season on injured reserve. Adeniji will likely compete for a roster spot in Dallas this year.

The report comes from The Akron Beacon Journal. Ifedi is filling in for starting LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (MCL), who “has shown no visible indication of when he’ll be back doing on-field football work” since injuring his knee in November 2023, per reporter Chris Easterling. Ifedi’s Saturday hand injury was among three total injuries suffered by the Browns’ backup tackle group, including James Hudson III (ankle) and Hakeem Adeniji (knee). Stefanski ruled Hudson out for the upcoming preseason contest but said Hudson “will be back soon.” Stefanski expects Adeniji to be “out for a little bit” though. The Browns’ thin tackle group is a concern.

Adeniji is a former sixth-round pick of the Bengals, starting 15 of 39 games with them in three seasons. He signed with the Vikings’ practice squad for 2023, signing to the active roster later in the season and appearing in four games. Adeniji will provide tackle depth for a Bengals team that saw several injuries to their tackles in 2023.

Adeniji is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery earlier this month. The 2020 sixth-rounder made five starts last year and was expected to open the season in a swing role. Adeniji will likely be replaced by rookie D’Ante Smith.

Adenji (6'4/302) started every game at left tackle since he arrived in Lawrence, Kansas, and although he never received in-game experience on the Jayhawks’ interior line, he did turn heads while taking reps at guard during Senior Bowl practices. Per The Athletic’s Dan Brugler, coaches will fall in love with Adenji’s professional mindset as he’s known to always be getting the most out of his ability through a “committed” work ethic. He’s fundamentally sound and has the awareness to stay square in pass protection but lacks finishing power in the run game, ultimately projecting him as a versatile swing tackle in Cincinnati.

Adeniji (6'4/302) played on the outside for the majority of his collegiate career, but the feeling of some draft analysts is that he may have to move inside as a pro. Regardless of where he plays in the NFL, Adeniji’s ability to play either guard or tackle is viewed as a positive when it comes to his draft prospects. With regard to the Jets and Saints, help on the offensive line is one of the former’s biggest needs heading into next month’s draft.

Adeniji (6'5/310) started at tackle for the past four seasons in Lawrence, but we could potentially see him moving to the inside upcoming as he looks to scrap it out for an NFL roster spot. Zierlein additionally notes that "[Adeniji] was an imperfect fit in Kansas’ move-oriented running game, but could compete for a roster spot in a man blocking scheme where he should be able to play with better control, consistency and push at the point of attack.”

A second team All-Big 12 selection in 2018, Adeniji (6'5/310) has started all 36 of his games as a member of the Kansas program. A strong senior season would improve the redshirt senior’s standing with NFL scouts, especially if he can conclude his KU career without having to miss a game due to injury. First-year HC Les Miles has a good tackle to work with in Adeniji.

Adeniji (6'4/300) is a Senior Bowl invitee candidate after showing decent movement skills for the Jayhawks. The redshirt senior isn’t a Day 1 prospect, but he could play himself into the top-100 mix with a strong 2019 season and nice measurables at the NFL Combine. If not, he’ll compete for a Day 3 or UDFA spot. Adeniji figures to be one of the best Big 12 tackles this season.