RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Sione Takitaki (BYU) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #80 by CLE

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Sione Takitaki (BYU) - 2019 NFL Draft

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 228 lbs

Overview

Sione Takitaki was a standout linebacker for Brigham Young University (BYU), known for his aggressive playing style and versatility on the field. After a solid college career, he entered the 2019 NFL Draft with a growing reputation as a hard-hitting defender.

Strengths

  • Physicality: Takitaki is a highly physical player who isn’t afraid to deliver big hits. His aggressive nature makes him a formidable presence in the run game.
  • Versatility: He has experience playing multiple linebacker positions, which allows him to be utilized in various defensive schemes.
  • Football IQ: Takitaki demonstrates good awareness on the field, reading plays effectively and reacting quickly to changes in the offense.
  • Leadership: As a team captain at BYU, he showed strong leadership qualities, both on and off the field, and was respected by teammates and coaches.

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistency: While Takitaki has the potential, he showed moments of inconsistency during games, particularly in coverage situations.
  • Coverage Skills: He needs to improve his pass coverage, as he struggled against faster, more agile receivers and tight ends.
  • Injury History: Takitaki had some injury concerns during his college career, which could raise red flags for NFL teams regarding his durability.

Projection

Most analysts projected Sione Takitaki as a mid-round selection, likely falling in the 3rd to 5th round range. His physicality and leadership traits made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. However, concerns over his coverage abilities and inconsistency could limit his draft stock.

Conclusion

Sione Takitaki entered the 2019 NFL Draft as an intriguing linebacker prospect with a lot of upside. His skills and experience at BYU showcased his potential to contribute at the professional level, but he would need to refine his game to make a significant impact in the NFL.