The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Siaki Ika 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Line
School: Baylor
Size: 6-foot-4, 358 pounds
Class: Senior
2022 stats: 24 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended
Ika played at both LSU and Baylor during his college career, showing off his skill. He is now in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit, Ika signed on with LSU out of Utah. He saw some time as a freshman with the Tigers, notching 17 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His play helped LSU win the National Championship. In 2020, he played in a few games registering five tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack before he decided to transfer. Ika transferred to Baylor for 2021 and tallied 24 total tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. He aided the Bears going 12-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl. In 2022, he had 24 total tackles, two tackles for loss and two passes defended. Baylor went 6-7 on the season.
Following his two seasons with the Bears, Ika declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a projected day two pick.
Ika is massive for an interior defensive lineman at the NFL level. He stands 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds, which gives him the perfect size to be a successful pro nose tackle. Not only does he have the size, but he has the strength to hold up on the interior.
Teams looking to upgrade their run defense need to look no further than Ika. He can take on double teams with his good anchor strength. Ika can also attack gaps. Whether he eats up blocks or makes plays himself, Ika can greatly help a team’s run defense. He can disengage from blocks and can finish plays with good tackles.
For his size, Ika has solid athleticism. He is quick at the snap of the ball, getting a good start to the play. While his quickness and lateral agility may be just average for an interior lineman, most defensive linemen don’t also have his strength. This combination helps him take on multiple blockers or penetrate gaps.
Ika is likely going to be a two-down player in the NFL because he doesn’t offer much pass-rushing upside. He can push the pocket, but doesn’t offer much more than that against the pass. Teams will have to be ok with getting a player that is mostly effective against the run.
His motor can sometimes run hot or cold. When his motor is on, Ika is a highly effective player who is capable of making a huge impact. If his motor goes cold, he can disappear and his defense suffers from it. NFL coaches will need to work on getting the most out of Ika.
He could have a better pad level. Ika loses some power against double teams because his pad level gets too high. He needs to stay low and retain that power. That will also help him keep his balance, as Ika can also be on the ground far too often.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Third Round pick
Draft Grade: Second-Round Pick
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