FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Utah offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sataoa Laumea
Sataoa Laumea (OL – Utah)
6’4” – 311 lbs.
Background:
Redshirted in 2019 after appearing in one game, Sataoa Laumea then stepped into a starting role on the line and has been a fixture there for the past four seasons, making 44 consecutive starts for the Utes. The first 18 came at right guard (five in the shortened 2020 season and 13 the following year). In 2022, he switched to right tackle and started 26 games across the past two seasons. Allowed five career sacks during that span, one in 2021 and four in 2022.
Positives:
A thickly-built lineman with four years of starting experience between both guard and tackle who made progress at tackle this year. Functional strength is what you’d expect given his size; has power in his hands to knock defenders off-balance on contact. Has more flexibility and short-area quickness than usual for a player with his build; didn’t look lumbering when playing at tackle over the past couple of years. Shows a good understanding of positioning and can use his quickness to wall off opponents early in the run game. Some ability to chip and climb, or to otherwise get in space and hit a defender. Works hard to engage and sustain through the whistle. So strong he can win some ugly reps just by throwing his body around. Shows adequate knee-bend in his pass sets, and lateral quickness is average to above average. Active with his punch and tries to play with extension.
Negatives:
Listed height is on the borderline of what’s acceptable for a pro tackle. Technique and polish aren’t where you’d expect given his four years of starting experience; did just convert to tackle in 2022, but more technique should have carried over. Plays a bit narrow at times. Has trouble staying within his frame, leading to lunging and waist-bending that undermines his natural power; consequently, his ability to stay connected is average, at best. Some tendency to overset and allow penetration on the inside. Lack of ideal coordination means he doesn’t always have a stable base underneath him, which can limit his anchor.
Summary:
A prospect with the bulk and power to play guard but who also seems to have the athleticism to potentially stick at tackle. His experience at both of those positions should help his draft stock. However, for a four-year starter, there are a lot of ugly snaps on tape, so coaches will have to hope he can play with more patience and discipline to avoid getting off-balance. Those problems may be less visible with a move back inside to guard where his lack of ideal height/length may be less of an issue. Probably more of a mid-round developmental swing reserve type.
Projection: Round 5
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