2023 NFL Draft Profile: San Diego State DL Jonah Tavai

Draft profile for SDSU DL Jonah Tavai.

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2023 NFL Draft Profile: San Diego State DL Jonah Tavai

Jonah Tavai has played a critical role in San Diego State’s defensive line for the last four seasons.

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Draft profile for Tavai

In three weeks, San Diego State defensive lineman Jonah Tavai will hope to hear his name called at the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tavai was a standout on San Diego State’s defensive line for four years. He began his college football career at El Camino College in 2018 before he transferred to San Diego State in 2019. Tavai made an immediate difference on the defensive line as a sophomore and he developed through each season.

Following the 2021 season, Tavai had an opportunity to leave for the NFL, but he decided to remain with the program for his final year of eligibility. Tavai’s decision to remain with the Aztecs for a fourth season paid off. He finished the 2022 season with 10.5 sacks and 59 total tackles.

Tavai was one of the most important players on San Diego State’s defense for the previous three seasons. He finished his time with the Aztecs as a legendary defensive lineman.

For Tavai, he will hope to make a similar impact in the NFL for the team that drafts him in April.

Measurables (from Alex Katson)

Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 283 pounds
40-Yard Dash: 5.06 seconds
3-Cone: 7.65 seconds
Shuttle: 4.70 seconds
Vertical: 26.5″

Highlights

Strengths

Versality as a defensive lineman will serve Tavai well in the NFL. He is a strong run stopper with an ability to slow down opposing running backs in the middle of the line of scrimmage. Tavai can get to the quarterback and disrupt the passing game with his rushing skills. His sacks increased every season at San Diego State. In the last two seasons, Tavai recorded a total of 19 sacks. With a rugby background, Tavai is a physical defensive lineman who is not afraid to engage with offensive linemen. He has experience as a defensive end and defensive tackle. Expect Tavai to mostly line up on the interior defensive line.

Weaknesses

While Tavai registered a memorable career at San Diego State, his lack of size and speed will likely cause him to be a Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick. Tavai does not have explosive speed for a defensive lineman and at under 6-feet, he will need to find a way to get around the arms and hands of larger offensive linemen. Experienced interior offensive linemen will make it difficult for Tavai to get by. With a 26.5-inch vertical, Tavai will not be expected to defend many passes from the line of scrimmage.

NFL Comparison

Andrew Billings

Draft Prediction

Tavai’s measurables will likely lead to his name being called late on Day 3. He will be a solid choice for a team looking for an experienced interior defensive lineman. Tavai will be selected in the sixth round.

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