Sunday, January 22, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect DT Siaki Ika

DT Siaki Ika:

Scouting Reports:









Articles:

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Friday (On Monday, we discussed how some teams had medically flunked Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, and he was not alone, as other significant players received medical red flags. Among them is Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika. Ika had a shot at being a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he could slide to the mid-rounds after being flunked medically by some teams. Some franchises have some character concerns with Ika as well. While Ika is a beast against the run, he is viewed as a player who lacks a role in the sub package, so that limits his playing time significantly. Going in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft is probably the best case scenario right now for Ika.) (4-28-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Friday

Pete Prisco's 2023 NFL Draft Better-Than Team (Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor - Ika was close to being the captain of this team. I love his game. He is a huge man at 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds, which is why he was a true space eater in the middle of the Baylor defense. Usually when you watch a player like Ika, you expect to see nothing but a one-dimensional run player, a guy who won't provide a lot in terms of the pass rush. That's simply not true. He has the tools to push the pocket at the next level. There are times when he got pressure in college thanks to his quickness more than his power. There have been comparisons to Tampa Bay defensive tackle Vita Vea, which are natural. In fact, Ika said he models his game after Vea. It makes sense. Ika isn't as athletic and ran a slow 40 at his workout. The other knock on Ika is that he wears down in games. He has to be in better shape. He wasn't as dominant in the fourth quarter as he was early in games, and he wasn't as good in 2022 as he was the year before. At times, he has to be better against the double-team as well, which is what he will see a lot of at the next level. But the strength is there. It's all about the technique improvement and weight management for him.) (4-27-28):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/better-than-team-for-2023-nfl-draft-here-are-the-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-scouts-do/

Lions' 2023 Draft Wants (SECOND ROUND - DT Siaki Ika, Baylor:  Ika didn't exactly have a dominant final season at Baylor. However, standing in at 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds, the defensive lineman offers a solid combination of size and athleticism. He also possesses tremendous change-of-direction ability and a high motor. All in all, he'd be a nice find for the Lions with their second of two second-round selections (No. 55 overall).) (4-27-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-wants

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Wednesday (Some large defensive linemen who could interest Buffalo in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft could include Michigan's Mazi Smith and Clemson's Bryan Bresee. Sources say that Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey is not a fit because he is too similar to Ed Oliver as an undersized fast defender.  If the Bills were to take an offensive lineman on Thursday night, they could look to the defensive line on Day 2. Smith might slide, and other options for Buffalo could include Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and Baylor's Siaki Ika.) (4-26-23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Wednesday

2023 NFL draft: Interior defensive line still among top needs for Detroit Lions (And the Lions were interested enough in Baylor’s Siaki Ika to use one of their 30 pre-draft visits on the massive 335-pound defensive tackle.) (4-25-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-still-among-top-needs-for-detroit-lions.html

2023 NFL Draft: What Does the Defensive Tackle Class Look Like Behind Jalen Carter? (Defensive Tackle Notable Mentions - There are defensive tackles throughout the draft that could become plug-and-play starters from Day 1. However, the drop-off from the top to the second tier could push some to be taken earlier than expected.  After Carter and Kancey, a few names to monitor would be Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore, Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, Baylor’s Siaki Ika, and Michigan’s Mazi Smith.  Ikais listed at 6’3″, 335 pounds, and Smith measures 6’3″, 337 pounds. Both have the size to be traditional run-stuffing 1-techniques, while Smith has a higher upside to rush the passer, given his freakishly athletic profile. Envision both players as trash cans full of dirt clogging up running lanes.) (4-21-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/defensive-tackle-class-jalen-carter-2023/

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (5 Siaki Ika, Baylor:  Siaki Ika didn’t test nearly as well as expected, but he’s another nose tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft with dual-sided upside against both the pass and the run. In an NFL conditioning program, with NFL coaching, Ika could become a devastating 0-technique.  At 6’3″, 335 pounds, Ika is a pure block of mass on the interior line. His raw strength can be dominating at the point, and he also has the power to bowl over solo blocks. His flashes as a pass rusher — the brightest of which came in 2021 — allude to untapped potential in the attacking phase.) (4-18-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 defensive tackles that could interest the Lions (5. Siaki Ika, Baylor:  Transferred to Baylor after two seasons at LSU and made an immediate impact. Posted 6.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in his first season with the Bears.  Bottom line: Ika played 13 games for national champion LSU in 2019-20. Posted 17 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss as a freshman. Announced his intent to transfer after four games in 2020.) (4-16-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-lions-carter-kancey-bresee

2023 NFL Draft: One riser, one faller at each position according to PFF's Mock Draft Simulator (Fallers - DI Siaki Ika, Baylor (PFF Big Board Rank: 63):  Ika was largely tabbed as a first-rounder throughout the 2022 college football season. While he's a massive prospect at 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds, “his down-to-down effectiveness is a serious question mark,” per PFF's Draft Guide.  Ika is being drafted in the late second round in PFF's Mock Draft Simulator after going around the No. 32 pick in early February.) (4-14-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-risers-fallers-each-position-mock-draft-simulator

Lions met with Baylor NT Siaki Ika on a pre-draft visit (4-13-23):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/13/lions-pre-draft-meet-siaki-ika-baylor-top-30-visit/

Lions hosting 335-pound Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika on pre-draft visit (4-13-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/lions-hosting-335-pound-baylor-defensive-tackle-on-pre-draft-visit.html

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 interior defensive linemen (4. Siaki Ika, Baylor (Height: 6′ 3¼” (60th percentile), Weight: 335 (94th), 40-Yard Dash: 5.39 (5th), 10-Yard Split: 1.88 (1st), 3-Cone Drill: 7.8 (37th)
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.99 (4th), Arm Length: 32⅜” (22th), Hand Size: 10¼” (73rd)) - Bio: A universal four-star prospect out of East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ika started his collegiate career at LSU, played on the 2019 National Championship team, and moved to Baylor via the transfer portal for the 2021 season. He won Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, and went on from there. Over four seasons with the Fighting Tigers and Bears, Ika totaled seven sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 40 quarterback hurries, 53 tackles, and 45 stops. He had 664 snaps in the B-gaps, 574 in the A-gaps, and two over the tackles.  Stat to Know: Ika is seen primarily by some as a nose tackle, but six of his 18 pressures last season came when he was either aligned right over the guard, or to the guard’s outside shoulder.  Strengths: When he’s fresh in a game and on point, Ika’s movement skills for his size are preposterous. He possesses the kind of lateral movement and penetrative technique you dream of in most bigger, block-soaking nose tackles. This is true of his efforts as a run defender…  …and how he’s able to affect opposing quarterbacks. Ika’s relentless effort at times is a true force multiplier for his athletic toolbox. Ika also has a nice elemental skill set for getting off blocks quickly that could be accentuated by further NFL coaching.  Weaknesses: Just three of Ika’s 18 pressures, and none of his three tackles for loss, came in the fourth quarter of games last season. You always wonder how long into a game guys his size will last, and there are legitimate concerns with that. Ika will start to fall off and miss things when he gets gassed. Not that Bijan Robinson is easy to tackle under the best of circumstances, but ..  And needless to say, you’d like a guy his size to be a cheat code against double teams. For all his speed/power mix, Ika doesn’t always use his leverage to its maximum advantage.  Conclusion: Former Giants executive George Young’s “Planet Theory,” which is often mis-attributed to Bill Parcells, postulates that there are only so many people on the planet big enough and athletic enough to excel on the line of scrimmage in the National Football League. This applies to Ika in both a positive and negative sense. When he’s on, Ika is a Destroyer of Worlds, capable of taking half an offensive line and whoever’s unfortunate enough to have the ball right to the woodshed. However, his off-snaps will be cause for concern in NFL buildings. Making the most of Ika’s potential would have some NFL team with the kind of defensive weapon you just don’t see that often, but we’ll have to wait and see if that actually happens.  NFL Comparison: Vita Vea. When Vea came out of Washington for the 2018 draft, he was selected 12th overall by the Buccaneers despite similar concerns regarding the consistency of his play. The collegiate version of Vea was a terror on one series, and all too average the next. But Vea has made the most of his tools at the next level, and if Ika can do the same, he could have the same kind of unique — and transformative — impact.) (4-7-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-defensive-tackles-jalen-carter-calijah-kancey/


2023 NFL Draft: Best draft fits for every role along the defensive line and DL rankings (1-TECHNIQUE (NFL Prototype: Dexter Lawrence, 2023: Siaki Ika, Baylor):  The difference between zero and one-technique isn’t massive in practicality, but due to the alignment, a one-technique can often be a bit more of a penetrator. No one in the NFL took more snaps at one-technique (458) or graded out higher last season there (90.7) than Lawrence. His length plus his get-off makes him nearly impossible to stop one-on-one.  While Baylor nose tackle Siaki Ika doesn’t hold a candle to Lawrence athletically, he does have the kind of wiggle for a big man that it takes to get upfield. How many 335-pounders do you know that can spin this quickly?  Put Ika and his 51 pressures over the past two seasons in a penetrating scheme and watch him go to work.) (3-29-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-best-draft-fits-for-every-role-along-defensive-line-jalen-carter-mazi-smith-siaki-ika

2023 NFL Draft DT prospect rankings: Jalen Carter leads a gifted group (9. Siaki Ika, Baylor, 6-3, 335, Redshirt Junior - Overview: The allure of the SEC drew Ika out of the state of Utah southeast to LSU as a celebrated four-star recruit in 2019 and he saw the field immediately, joining Joe Burrow and the Tigers on their title run, recording 17 tackles (including 1.5 for loss) in 12 games. Ika began the 2020 season with LSU but entered the transfer portal after four games, choosing to reunite with Dave Aranda, who had served as the Tigers' defensive coordinator and had since taken over as head coach at Baylor. The imposing Ika terrorized the Big 12 in 2021, helping vault the Bears to a No. 5 overall ranking at the conclusion of the season and individually earning the conference's Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. His numbers slipped in 2022, however, and he enters the NFL with a pretty pedestrian four-year total of 70 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. Strengths: An absolute boulder of a human being. He has a natural square-ish frame with broad shoulders, wide hips and thick limbs. Explosive initial quickness and power to instantly rock a would-be blocker onto his heels. Comes off the ball low and hard, offering real knockback power in short-yardage situations. Eats up double-teams, with his thighs growing veritable roots into the turf and anchoring, where he — and those attempting to move him — become a wall ballcarriers must now avoid. For his size, Ika is surprisingly nimble, playing on the balls of his feet and showing some lateral agility to elude, offering quite the counter to his bull-in-a-china-shop bull rushes. In short areas, he's quite quick.  Concerns: Ika offers little in terms of a pass rush, generating 4.5 sacks in four seasons of college football, including zero in 2022. His best chance of impacting the quarterback is a straight bull rush, and he can collapse the pocket from the inside, but Ika struggles redirecting to finish the play. He possesses a top-heavy frame and is prone to leaning into blockers and getting himself off-balance. While very effective in shutting down interior running lanes, Ika is not as effective on outside runs, sputtering out of gas by the end of the tackle box.  Bottom Line: It might sound disrespectful to call Ika a one-trick pony, so to avoid angering the intimidating run-stuffer, let's agree to refer to him as a specialist. And he is very good in that one role. Unfortunately for Ika, his specialty just isn't as prioritized in today's pass-heavy NFL, which could leave him on the board longer than some anticipate. Grade: Third Round) (3-28-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-dt-prospect-rankings-jalen-carter-leads-a-gifted-group

Ranking the top DTs in this year’s class (Tier 4 — Late Day 2/Early Day 3 - Siaki Ika (Baylor), 6-foot-3, 335 pounds:  At Baylor, Ika had been listed close to 360 pounds, so weighing in at 335 is a positive sign and a lot more sustainable. As a run defender, Ika does well to clog up running lanes and is essentially an immovable object at the line of scrimmage. Projecting him to the NFL is quite easy. He’s a nose tackle through and through, so if you’re looking for a massive space eater, then Ika is your guy.  How he fits: 0/1-tech; nose tackle.  Round grade: Third-fourth round) (3-23-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/23/23639576/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-dts-in-this-years-class

Best-case player comps for some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL draft (DT - Siaki Ika, Baylor - The trend in college football has been defensive tackles with leaner, more athletic builds at the expense of some power. But Baylor’s Siaki Ika is a throwback with a massive frame and elite function power. Watching him play really reminds us of Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea in his prime.  Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) (3-22-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-player-comparison/

Every top-10 interior defender's highest-graded season (SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (Big board rank: 65/DI5, Best PFF grade: 74.4, 2022, 2022 Pass-rush grade: 76.4, 2022 Run-defense grade: 69.1)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-interior-defenders-highest-graded-season

NFL Draft: Defensive positional rankings pre-combine (4. Siaki Ika:  Siaki Ika is a traditional nose tackle.) (2-27-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-jalen-carter-will-anderson-jr-atop-pre-combine-list-of-best-defensive-prospects-by-position/

2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 defensive tackles the Lions should be watching (Siaki Ika, NT, Baylor, 6-foot-4, 354:  A massive run-stuffer, Ika is incredibly powerful at the point of attack and holds his ground with an impressive anchor. The Lions need to show marked improvement in defending the run and Ika would be a difference-maker in that regard. He’s a bit limited as a pass rusher, but his above-average athleticism and quick first step will force offensive linemen to account for him.) (2-25-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/25/23613277/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-defensive-tackles-the-lions-should-be-watching

2023 Combine preview: Defensive tackle (5. Siaki Ika, Baylor, 6-4, 354:  Ika is a powerful interior defender with strong hands and a good anchor. He's hard to move around and eats up blocks. He didn't have a ton of sack production at Baylor but was credited with 51 pressures the last two seasons by PFF, so that's part of his game that could be unlocked more at the NFL level with technique work.) (2-22-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-defensive-tackle-carter-bresee-smith

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior defensive line (5. SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (BIG BOARD RANK: 55):  Ika offers more as a pass-rusher than you'd expect from a man his size, but his down-to-down effectiveness is a serious question mark.) (2-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defensive-line

Bucky Brooks' top five 2023 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0: Stroud, Young, Hooker top QB rankings (3.  Siaki Ika)  (2-16-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook

2023 NFL draft film room: Baylor DL Siaki Ika (2-15-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-siaki-ika-baylor-highlights/

Thor's 2023 Senior Bowl Preview (Most to Prove: Siaki Ika - We know that Ika can do one thing very, very well: Occupy blockers in the run game. He might be the best in this class at that. He’s a linebacker’s best friend – he’ll occupy one or two blockers on every running play and allow the players behind him to flow to the ball.  The question for evaluators in Mobile will be: Is Ika anything more than that?  The 6-foot-4, 358-pound monster cannot and will not be moved off his spot. And when he gets his hands on you, you’ve lost complete autonomy in the interaction until a whistle frees you from purgatory.  But in the run game, Ika, despite appearing to have uncommon movement skills for a human this large, doesn’t shed and make plays like you’d hope. And as a pass-rusher, he’s a one-trick load who remains unrefined.  Ika’s strength and initial quickness will overwhelm on some reps. But for opponents ready and equipped for that, he hasn’t shown the ability to audible to secondary plans of attack.  Ika has a high-floor for 3-4 teams as a planet-sized space-occupying nose tackle. His mission in Mobile: Prove he can be more.) (1-30-23):  https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-senior-bowl-preview-defense/

Senior Bowl 2023 IDL Primer: What You Need To Know (Siaki Ika:  One of the biggest bodies in the class at 6-foot-3 and 355 pounds, he’s going to be a nightmare for offensive linemen to holster in Senior Bowl one-on-ones. His production won’t blow anyone out of the water, but it’s his presence alone that frees up everyone else along the defensive front to win matchups. He’s a space eater with a ton of power that will demand double teams from day one.) (1-18-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2023-idl-primer/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 senior prospects (7. DI SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (BIG BOARD RANK: 36):  Ika returned after a breakout 2021 campaign in hopes of springboarding toward the top 15 but didn’t quite have the dominant year he was hoping for. He was still a force to be reckoned with week in and week out at 6-foot-4, 358 pounds. He still brings pass-rushing prowess at that size, with 51 pressures over the past two seasons.) (12-30-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-ranking-class-top-30-senior-prospects

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 defensive tackle prospects (3. SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (RS JUNIOR | 6-4, 358) (2022 Grade: 74.5, Play Style: Nimble Nose, Initial Round Projection: 1-2):  A 358-pounder never looked so good. Siaki Ika’s lateral agility at his size is a sight to behold. Centers expected him to try to play through them, and Ika consistently left them grasping at air over the course of his Baylor career. Ika racked up 51 pressures in two years at Baylor after transferring from LSU. The biggest thing keeping Ika from getting a true first-round grade is workload. He averaged just under 35 snaps per game for the Bears in 2022. Combine that with the fact that his weight is going the wrong way from 340 pounds when he left LSU to 350 last year to now 358, and it’s worth wondering how much impact an NFL team can get from a man that size.) (12-29-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-defensive-tackle-rankings

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (3. Siaki Ika, Baylor:  Nose tackles don’t often go in Round 1. But now, there’s a decent chance we could see it happen for two years in a row. Jordan Davis was claimed by the Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Siaki Ika could field Round 1 interest from teams in need of a nose tackle.  The nose tackle mold is scarce, and Ika has an incredibly high ceiling within that mold — maybe even higher than Davis’. Ika is much more natural at acquiring leverage. And at his size of 6’4″, 358 pounds, he brings unnatural explosiveness and power with dominating strength in run defense.) (12-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

2023 NFL Draft: Aspirational pro-player comps for top Senior Bowl prospects (3. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor (6-4, 358)* - Aspirational NFL comp: Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Statistically speaking, Ika has not been an ultra-productive player at Baylor (eight tackles for loss over the past two seasons), but keep in mind that Vea averaged five tackles for loss over three years at the University of Washington. Numbers do not always tell the full story of a player's talent and impact. I'd give Vea an advantage in overall agility, but Ika still moves quite well off the ball and chases plays adeptly for a player of his size -- and both will move a man-up block into the backfield or shed to attack ball-carriers. Vea lined up outside for Washington at times, and Ika also beats offensive tackles, showing some bend.) (12-16-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-aspirational-pro-player-comps-for-top-senior-bowl-prospects

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 senior prospects (7. DI SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR
BIG BOARD RANK: 36.  Ika returned after a breakout 2021 campaign in hopes of springboarding toward the top 15 but didn’t quite have the dominant year he was hoping for. He was still a force to be reckoned with week in and week out at 6-foot-4, 358 pounds. He still brings pass-rushing prowess at that size, with 51 pressures over the past two seasons.) (12-13-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-ranking-class-top-30-senior-prospects

Baylor Bears Defensive Tackle Siaki Ika No. 3 Prospect at His Position (12-3-22):  https://www.si.com/college/baylor/news/baylor-bears-siaki-ika-pro-football-focus-nfl-draft

2023 NFL Draft: My college football All-Senior Teams (Siaki Ika, Baylor (6-4, 358)*:  Ika followed his former defensive coordinator at LSU, Dave Aranda, to Baylor before last season. The Bears use multiple fronts, with Ika eating A-gaps versus the run by winning one-on-ones with quickness (yes, at 358 pounds) in a four-man front and shedding blockers in a two-gap situation. While he does not have a sack this season, Ika affects the passing game even if he doesn't get home before the quarterback unloads the ball.) (12-2-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-my-college-football-all-senior-teams

College Football Week 12 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Ika Looking Dominant Against TCU.  2:40 p.m. — While TCU was getting the better of Siaki Ika early in the game, the massive defensive tackle from Baylor has acquitted himself well, and his team is holding on to a one-point lead.  Ika does a great job occupying blockers, which allows his teammates to make plays on the ball. He has a solid closing burst and though not a great pass rusher, Ika ably gets pressure up the field. His intensity and leadership is infectious. Ika is a natural 0-technique/nose tackle that won’t be a fit for every defense, yet the senior has starting potential on Sunday. TP.  Ika vs. Avila = The Definition of Big Against Big.  12:30 p.m. — There’s a lot on the line today for undefeated TCU, who is presently down to Baylor by a score of 7-0. The best matchup in this game has 355-pound Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika going up against 334-pound TCU offensive guard Steve Avila.  While TCU did not score on the opening drive, the early advantage in this contest goes to Avila. Both grade as Day 2 prospects. TP) (11-19-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-12-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch Week 12: Will Levis Faces Georgia Defense (TCU OL Steve Avila vs. Baylor DT Siaki Ika - There’s almost 700 total pounds of linemen in this trench battle between TCU offensive guard Steve Avila and Baylor nose tackle Siaki Ika. Avila is a boxy 6’4″, 330-pound interior blocker with suffocating strength and awesome power. Ika matches Avila’s strength at 6’4″, 350 pounds, but also has enough burst to provide value on passing downs.  This would be an even better matchup if Avila was at center, the position he played in 2021. But they’ll still likely cross paths a good amount on Saturday. Avila’s wide frame is simply hard to get around in pass protection. Ika, however, will make it difficult for Avila to displace on the ground, and he has the pass-rushing chops to make some noise.) (11-19-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-12-2022/

Chase Brown, Tuli Tuipulotu and other power players NFL scouts will watch in Week 12 (The action kicks off right away with a critical matchup for an undefeated Horned Frogs squad seeking to crash the playoff party. TCU features one of this year’s top centers in Steve Avila, who will go up against Baylor’s talented nose guard Siaki Ika, an LSU transfer who flashes the athleticism and power NFL scouts crave.  At a burly 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Avila possesses NFL-caliber size and surprising initial quickness to control most defenders. He’s both broad-shouldered and balanced, showing good lateral agility and core strength to hold up in pass protection, as well as creating consistent movement at the point of attack. Ika, as mentioned in this breakdown is an unusual athlete in his own right, but he has registered just 21 tackles this season, including just two for loss and zero sacks. He possesses the quickness and raw power to collapse the pocket, but has shown more potential than production, making scouts more frustrated than opponents, thus far this season.) (11-17-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/chase-brown-tuli-tuipulotu-and-other-power-players-nfl-scouts-will-watch-in-week-12

2023 NFL Draft Prospects Watch Week 11: Rome Odunze vs. Christian Gonzalez a Clash of Elite Traits (Kansas State G Cooper Beebe vs. Baylor DTs Siaki Ika, Gabe Hall:  The Baylor defensive line has an abundance of high-level 2023 NFL Draft talent. Both Siaki Ika and Gabe Hall were Day 2 picks in our latest three-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Ika recently accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, while Hall stands to impress in the offseason with his natural traits.  Ika is a massive nose tackle at 6’4″, 350 pounds, with the strength to absorb double teams and the explosive athleticism to make an impact as a pass rusher. And Hall, with his own length, explosiveness, and prying strength, can function as a wrecking ball for blocking schemes.  All this is to say, Cooper Beebe will be under pressure this week — but it’s also a chance for Beebe to earn the recognition he deserves as a guard prospect. PFN ranks Beebe as one of the best guard prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’4″, 322 pounds, he’s wide and powerful, but also a smart, high IQ blocker with good hands and enough athleticism to work in space.) (11-12-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-11-2022/

Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Heads a Talented Class (38. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor:  An absolute colossus at 6’4″, 358 pounds, Siaki Ika is the epitome of a true nose tackle. His sheer size clogs rushing lanes, while he commands double-teams to help free up his teammates to go on the attack.  However, he’s more than just a space eater. Ika has already showcased an impressive pass-rush toolbox, while his first-step explosion and fast, refined handwork ensure that he poses a genuine pass-rush threat. Watching Ika hustle downfield to make a play is a unique college football pleasure.) (10-27-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects/

Big 12 Standouts: 6 Players Dominating College Football (Siaki Ika DT, Baylor:  Box score scouting won’t tell you the full story of Ika, a man the size of a Suburban within the trenches. I’ll hold off on the Vita Vea comparisons for now, but his impact as not just a body to move, but a body that is able to displace guards and push the pocket is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He’s the anchor for a front that ranks ninth-best in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (79.5).) (9-29-22):   https://thedraftnetwork.com/big-12-best-players-college-football-2022/

Roman Wilson vs. Riley Moss, other Week 5 matchups NFL scouts will be watching (An even more dynamic athlete, Baylor’s Siaki Ika has more to gain with a splashy performance with the ninth-ranked Cowboys visiting. Listed at 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, the former LSU signee demonstrates rare initial quickness, agility and raw power to dominate one-on-one assignments. Scouts can acknowledge his special talent and yet still be skeptical as to how his game translates to the ever-increasing pass-happy NFL. Ika may wow in workouts, but with seven combined tackles (including just one solo) in four games so far this season, he needs to prove that he can be a force against the pass and run alike to justify the top-100 consideration his rare traits seem to warrant.) (9-29-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/roman-wilson-vs-riley-moss-other-week-5-matchups-nfl-scouts-will-be-watching

Big 12 2023 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (Siaki Ika, DT | Grade: 3.75 | Projected Round: 3 - The top NFL prospect on the depth chart is defensive tackle Siaki Ika, a powerful wide-bodied lineman who takes up a lot of space. Ika is quick, explosive, and impossible to move off the point. He’s more gap occupier than playmaker, though Ika does force the action up the field. I think of him as a poor man’s Jordan Davis and grade him as a third-round prospect.) (9-24-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-scouting-reports/

College Football Week 4 Live Reactions, Results, And Takeaways (ISU Center controlling the line of scrimmage.  12:20- Iowa State matched scores with Baylor, marching down the field and putting the ball in the end zone to knot things up at 7-7.  Center Trevor Downing looked impressive during that first drive containing and even handling the higher rated Siaki Ika.  Downing was able to keep Ika from his quarterback and on a few occasions opened up the middle of the field for his ball carriers.   Scouts I’ve spoken with are in agreement with me that Downing is a good fit in the middle portion of day three in the draft. TPF.  Big 12 offers some terrific NFL match-ups - Flipping that around you’ll find Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika against Iowa State center Trevor Downing another line of scrimmage contest between a pair of next level prospects. Ika, who has a 3rd round grade on my board, is a powerful mauler at 355 pounds. Downing tips the scales under 300 pounds and is a zone blocking lineman who needs a running start. I gave downing a 6th round grade before the season and I like his next level potential, though he needs to add bulk and strength to his game.) (9-24-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-4-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

College football: Key matchups NFL scouts will watch in Week 3 (With the visiting Bobcats a 30-point underdog according to FOX Bet, one might assume that this is a game most scouts would ignore. But in-state contests like this often draw out the competitiveness of players, and Texas State has a veteran-laden offensive line that could challenge Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika, a 6-foot-3, 350-pound star in the middle who was arguably the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the Big 12 last season.  Sure, Ika is going to face tougher competition throughout Baylor’s conference schedule, but NFL clubs interested in him are going to want to see his motor run just as hot against lesser opponents, especially considering that the former five-star recruit at LSU has just five total tackles (one solo) over the No. 17 Bears’ first two games this season. Ika is a talented athlete who will test shockingly well given his classic run-stuffing frame, but he must prove that he has the all-around game and consistency to warrant his first-round hype.) (9-15-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/college-football-nfl-scouts-wont-miss-these-week-3-matchups

Lions 2023 NFL draft prospect watch for CFB Week 2 (Baylor DT Siaki Ika can be a major disruptor on the interior. He fits the Lions’ gap-attacking scheme with a very nice first step for a guy who weighs in around 350 pounds. The LSU transfer doesn’t play with the stoutness you’d expect from a guy that size, and it’s worth tracking how often he stays on the field against the versatile Cougars offense.) (9-10-22):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-watch-for-cfb-week-2-detroit-lions/

Draft watch: Will Levis vs. Anthony Richardson featured in primetime (Siaki Ika, NT, Baylor (redshirt Junior)
6-foot-4, 354 pounds:  If the Lions are planning on keeping Alim McNeill at the 3-technique, which it appears like they are, they will likely be in the market to upgrade nose tackles Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones.  Enter all 354 pounds of Siaki Ika.  Ika, like McNeill, is a 1-through-3-technique who can both one and two-gap. He has an elite first step and power in his hands. He doesn’t have the game speed of Eagles’ first-round pick Jordan Davis (Georgia), but he’s in the conversation with Buccaneer's nose tackle Vita Vea as far as upside.) (9-10-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/9/10/23340031/detroit-lions-2023-draft-watch-week-2-will-levis-anthony-richardson

2023 NFL Draft Board: Top Prospect Battles To Watch In Week 2 (BYU G Clark Barrington vs. Baylor DTs Siaki Ika, Gabe Hall, Jaxon Player - One of the few ranked matchups this coming week — Baylor vs. BYU — features a stacked trench battle between BYU’s offensive line and Baylor’s defensive line. The Cougars will have their hands full — particularly on the interior. Connor Pay is a sound, mobile center, while Clark Barrington can generate movement with leg drive and torque. But they’ll face a Baylor interior line with multiple dominating forces. Siaki Ika is a bowling ball at nose tackle, while Gabe Hall and Jaxon Player provide explosiveness and violent rushers alongside him.) (9-10-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-board-top-prospect-battles-to-watch-in-week-2/

College Football Week 2 Preview: Storylines, matchups and predictions for the biggest games (Both Pay and Barrington will have their work cut out for them, as Baylor has the best interior defensive line in the country. Jaxon Player and Siaki Ika rank among our top 15 interior defensive linemen entering this season. Player transfers in from Tulsa, where he posted 85.0-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender last season, the only interior defensive lineman in the country to do so. Ika, meanwhile, is a top-20 prospect on PFF’s 2023 NFL Draft board after having the third-best pass-rushing grade among Power Five interior defensive linemen last year.) (9-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-2-preview-storylines-matchups-predictions-2022

Baylor’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Siaki Ika, Connor Galvin (Siaki Ika, NT:  Baylor might have the best defensive line in the Big 12, and one of the best units in the nation. And it all revolves around Siaki Ika, who just might be the best nose tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.  Ika, called “Apu” by his Baylor teammates, is listed at 6’4″, 350 pounds, and comes with all of the power and strength you’d expect with that size. But beyond that, he has rare pass-rushing upside for a nose, possessing great burst and a searing hot motor. With his skills, Ika could be heavily coveted by odd-front teams in April.) (8-30-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/baylors-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-siaki-ika-connor-galvin/

Top Baylor Prospects to Watch for 2023 NFL Draft (DT Siaki Ika:  In the same mold as Vita Vea and Jordan Davis, Ika is an excellent run defender. He plugs gaps and uses his unbelievable natural strength to anchor down and create lanes for linebackers to shoot downhill. Ika doesn’t have much pass rush upside, though, which does hurt his next-level projection. He’ll be great at what he does but Ika might struggle to be a three-down player. Ika isn’t on the same level as Jordan Davis and is more of a day-two prospect right now.) (8-26-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/top-baylor-bears-prospects-to-watch-2023-nfl-draft

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (Interior defensive linemen - 5. Siaki Ika, Baylor:  Although, Siaki Ika and Jaxon Player have a chance to encroach on their dominance in their first season together in Waco.) (8-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/

Ranking the 10 best NFL Draft prospects in the Big 12 (5. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor:  At 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, Ika is a traditional nose tackle in the NFL. He flashes a lot of power in his hands and consistently draws double teams. There is some stack and shed ability to his game. Although sacks are of little consequence to 0-technique players, the Salt Lake City native finished the most recent campaign with four. Originally an LSU Tiger, Ika followed Dave Aranda to Baylor after the 2020 season.) (8-19-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-10-best-prospects-in-the-big-12-including-a-running-back-with-round-1-talent/

PFN Preseason All-Big 12 Team 2022: Make way for Baylor’s returning offensive linemen (Defense | First - DT: Siaki Ika, Baylor) (8-10-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pfn-preseason-all-big-12-team-2022/

PFN College Football All-Americans 2022: C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba take top honors (Defense | First  - DT: Siaki Ika, Baylor) (8-8-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pfn-college-football-all-americans-2022/

Top 25 Big 12 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Baylor's Siaki Ika headline the group (2. DI SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (RS JUNIOR):  Just ask the Ole Miss offensive line how tough it is to block Ika. The 350-pounder racked up a ridiculous eight pressures in Baylor’s Sugar Bowl win over the Rebels last season. Not only can he play through opponents at his size, but also around them.  In his first season with the Bears after transferring from LSU, Ika racked up 33 total pressures and earned an 85.7 pass-rushing grade. He’s precisely the kind of nose tackle every NFL defense is looking for to create havoc. Nose tackles don’t often go in the first round, but Ika has a chance.) (8-5-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-25-big-12-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-felix-anudike-uzomah-siaki-ika

Early 2023 NFL Draft DI Rankings: Georgia's Jalen Carter, Clemson's Bryan Bresee lead the pack (4. SIAKI IKA, BAYLOR (RS JUNIOR):  The lone true nose tackle in this draft class, Ika isn’t your average space-eater. He can move despite tipping the scales at 350 pounds. In his first season at Baylor after transferring from LSU, Ika earned an 85.7 pass-rushing grade and racked up 33 pressures. Just when you think he’s going to play through an opponent, he proves capable of swatting a lineman’s hands away and ducking to the side. It’s hard not to see shades of Vita Vea at Washington when you see Ika’s game.) (6-15-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2023-nfl-draft-interior-defender-rankings

2023 NFL Draft: Defensive prospects to watch (Siaki Ika:  Ika is more of a traditional nose tackle prospect ) (5-17-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-will-anderson-jalen-carter-among-defensive-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-season/

2023 NFL Draft Watch List: Defense (Siaki Ika, Baylor:  There are no play strength concerns with the 6-foot-4, 350-pound Ika. He started his career at LSU before transferring after two years to Baylor, where he enjoyed a breakout 2021 campaign. At that size, he was utilized as a penetrator and still racked up 33 pressures. That’s quite the figure for a collegiate nose tackle.) (5-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-watch-list-defense

PFN’s Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 (53. Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor:  Dominating from the middle of the defensive line is no easy feat. Yet, Siaki Ika makes it look easy. The big man at Baylor requires double-teams to stop him from getting to the passer. He requires chip blocks and schemes against him to get him from penetrating the point of attack in the ground game. Ika does it all with terrific technique, a high motor, and a ton of skill crafted with his rare blend of speed, size, and balance.) (4-22-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-college-football-players-2022/


Posted by LionsFan at 12:29 PM

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