Size – height and weight to excel on the interior of any defensive line
Foot speed – nimble and athletic in relation to size
Agility- able to turn quickly in short areas to counter opponents and work laterally along the line
Able to pass rush effectively from the Nose Tackle spot – can burst between the centre and guard to enter the backfield
Strong grip strength when engaging o-linemen
WEAKNESSES
Has not taken the leap expected from early promise shown
Tends to use mass, rather than technique, to win reps
High pad level allows linemen to get underneath him and use leverage to stunt attacks
Relatively short arms compared to stature – interior offensive linemen are able to take advantage of this and get into his chest and control reps
Functional play strength is not what expected for his size
Running game consistency – can see him completely stifle a run play on one down, and the next be completely blown off the ball by an opposing lineman
SUMMARY
Baylor Bears defensive tackle Siaki Ika, for me, is a difficult prospect to figure out. He has the quickness and lateral agility that are impressive at his size and his ability, when keyed in, to get into the backfield is a positive. However, his surprising lack of play strength and inconsistency on down by down basis are concerns for someone who is projected to mainly play as a nose/1T upon entering the league. Ika has tools to work with but has improvements to make if he is to be a regular starter.
