A transfer from LSU, Siaki Ika is built like a model nose tackle prospect. His massive frame is not like many players that he have seen come out of college football recently, especially for how well that he moves. However, Ika is a lot of potential in a prospect, unshaped and not yet ready to perform at a high level in the NFL. Ika will also not quite fit into a gap scheme, instead will have to play a traditional 0-tech nose for the most part. There is still a lot to like and if Siaki Ika becomes a stud, it will be because of his size and power.
Siaki Ika
NT – Baylor Bears
HT: 6026
WT: 350
Year: Super Junior
High School: East (Salt Lake City, UT)
Rating: 4-star (0.9400)
Projected Draft Grade: Potential Future Starter
Projection: 5th/7th Round
Siaki Ika scouting notes
Pros:
- The first step is good, not great.
- Drew double teams upon occasion.
- Shows the ability to work through two blocks in a variety of ways.
- Decent pursuit defender inside of the box.
- 4.5 sacks last year over 12 starts. Consistently finds a way into the backfield and generates a pass rush. Generated 24 hurries last year per PFF.
Cons:
- Decent speed for his build, will be very average in the position group.
- Would really like to see more upper-body strength from him. For someone who is as big and physically threatening as Ika, he’s not impressive with his strength consistently. Flashes the ability to just throw dudes around, especially in 1v1s.
- He didn’t always show the consistency to know what to do with double teams.
- Oftentimes looks lost with his hands, doesn’t know how to use them to get off of blocks. Will mostly just bullrush and slowly compress the pocket.
- Not a great tackler by any stretch of the imagination. He uses his size to bully his way around. Doesn’t wrap up.
