Baylor defensive lineman Siaki Ika runs a drill on the NFL soccer scouting mix in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. Darron Cummings, Related Press
Defensive deal with Siaki Ika first rose to soccer prominence at East Excessive in Salt Lake Metropolis, the place he racked up greater than 200 complete tackles throughout his junior and senior seasons.
The four-star recruit had various high-profile faculty presents, together with from BYU coach Kalani Sitake, who had been watching him play since elementary faculty.
Ika in the end selected to start his faculty profession at LSU, and he helped the Tigers win the 2019 nationwide championship as a real freshman. The subsequent yr, he entered the switch portal mid-season and enrolled at Baylor in January 2021.
At Baylor, the 6-foot-3, 335 pound Ika raised his profile and earned All-Huge 12 honors for his play. He logged 25 tackles in 2021 and 24 in 2022, and he in the end determined to forego his remaining yr of eligibility to enter the 2023 NFL draft.
The choice has led Ika to the Cleveland Browns, who chosen him with the 98th general decide within the third spherical of the 2023 NFL draft on Friday.
What NFL draft specialists mentioned about Siaki Ika
“Whereas he has the potential to grow to be a extremely efficient block-eater as an odd and even entrance nostril deal with, he’s fast sufficient off the snap to penetrate and disrupt play design if groups attempt to block him one-on-one. Whereas he’s unlikely to see passing downs, Ika does have sufficient athleticism and hand work to problem the pocket every so often.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com.
“Siaki Ika’s lateral agility at his measurement is a sight to behold. Facilities anticipated him to attempt to play via them, and Ika constantly left them greedy at air over the course of his Baylor profession.” — Michael Renner for Professional Soccer Focus.
“Ika is a nimble, disruptive massive man with stout, highly effective traits, however all of his spectacular elements don’t constantly add as much as impression performs.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic.
What specialists mentioned concerning the choice
“Defensive deal with was one among our prime wants for the Browns, each instantly and sooner or later. Dalvin Tomlinson was signed to a long-term deal, however Jordan Elliott enters free company after the season. Ika is a extra conventional nostril deal with prospect, however he’ll collapse the pocket within the passing sport when put into the appropriate conditions.” — Matt Miller, ESPN.
“On no account, form or type did we count on Ika to final this lengthy — nor did we see him going after Brodric Martin. Regardless of Ika’s restricted worth as an ox-strong nostril deal with, he performs with good stamina and was extra of a playmaker previous to final season. That is good worth right here.” — Eric Edholm, NFL.com.
Earlier East Excessive gamers who made it to the NFL
- Jaylen Warren, working again, Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-present).
- Will Tukuafu, defensive deal with, Seattle Seahawks (2014-2016), San Francisco 49ers (2010-2014).
- Sione Pouha, defensive deal with, New York Jets (2005-2012).
- Mat Mendenhall, defensive finish, Washington Redskins (1981-1982).
- Bob Summerhays, linebacker, Inexperienced Bay Packers (1949-1951).
- Paul McDonough, finish, Cleveland Rams (1939-1941), Pittsburgh Pirates (1938).
- Milton Romney, quarterback, Chicago Bears (1925-1928).