As we wind down the list of the 2022 undrafted free agent class we turn our attention to Mika Tafua. Tafua was a four-year starter at Utah, and was deployed in a variety of ways for the Utes defense. He spent time as an edge rusher, a 3-technique, a true linebacker, and a stand-up edge rusher.
An older prospect, Tafua is entering the NFL at 25 years old, and turns 26 in his first year after serving his two-year mission. In his final year at Utah, Tafua put together his best year as a player, leading the PAC-12 in both pressures and sacks. He was awarded the Pac-12 Morris Trophy. which is the award for the conference’s top defensive lineman as voted by the offensive lineman. So, despite his age does he have what it takes to make it with the Cowboys? Let’s dive into the film to find out.
Measurables and Stats
Listed Height: 6-foot-2
Listed Weight: 249 pounds
Jersey Number: 42
Tackles (2021): 31 solo tackles, 48 total tackles
Impact Plays (2021): 13 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Film Study Information:
Games Watched: USC (2021), Stanford (2021), Oregon (2021)
Best Game: Stanford (2021)
Worst Game: Oregon (2021)
Physical Skills Evaluation:
First Step: Isn’t overly explosive nor does he have the ability to time up the snap count effectively. He does play quick, but it takes him a moment to get to top speed.
Bend: Lacks the required ankle flexion to bend the edge, and appears to be stiff in his hips.
Motor/Effort/Physicality: Gives good effort, and is able to chase ball carriers down to the sideline and make the tackle.
Lateral Mobility: Light on his feet, able to change the gap he is attacking with relative ease, however he does not possess the power to capitalize on these twists and stunts.
Athletic Ability:. Reportedly posted a 9.03 RAS (per wisportsheroics.com), which is surprising based off his…
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