As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Siaki Ika.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles
Siaki Ika (DT – Baylor)
6’4” – 358 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended LSU, where he played 246 snaps as a freshman, finishing with 17 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. Ended up getting buried on the depth chart as a sophomore in the team’s even front, transferring to Baylor after the season. Had a strong season of 24-6.0-3.5 over 505 snaps in 2021, adding 24 hurries and 18 stops per PFF. Wasn’t quite as productive in 2022 (24-2.0-0.0).
Positives:
Massive nose tackle who will be one of the biggest pros at his position. Takes snaps on both the left and right sides of Baylor’s even fronts, in both the A-gap and B-gap; primarily used as a one-technique nose, but would take some snaps as a zero-technique when the team used three down linemen. Has functional strength commensurate with his size. Consistently walks back single opponents with his bull rush, showing violence and reliable leg drive after engaging. Anchor is excellent. Draws a lot of double-teams from opponents and is nonetheless able to hold his ground; also shows some ability to squeeze through double-teams and create disruption in the backfield. Able to control and discard blockers when needed in the run game. Scrapes down the line with his shoulders square. Shows the ability to make tackles while engaged. Works hard to pursue ball carriers. Beyond creating opportunities for teammates on passing downs with the attention he draws, is a surprisingly effective pass-rusher in his own right. Mixes in some different approaches as a rusher, also showing a spin and the ability to execute some stunts. Contests passing lanes.
Negatives:
Arms may be shorter than usual for a player with his height. Rotates off the field fairly regularly and probably won’t be an every-down player at the next level. Pad level rises early in snaps. Ability to locate the football is inconsistent. Teams were able to work around him at times by using misdirection during the games reviewed. Gives good effort in pursuit, but his overall range is limited, both because of his limited movement skills and his lack of ideal length. Doesn’t have too diverse a repertoire of rush moves.
Summary:
Pretty much has the game you’d expect from a player with his size; combines overwhelming power with an impressive level of activity, regularly turning single opponents into blocking sleds with his bull rush and being able to hold the point of attack in the run game, whether against one or two opponents. Actually a little bit more effective on passing downs than is typical for a massive nose tackle, which could let him stay on the field on some passing downs at the pro level. Has first-round talent but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he slipped into the second round.
Projection: Round 1-2
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