6th-year senior with sizable height/weight measurements, notable arm length, and an athletic lower half. Lined up mostly as a 3-tech/5-tech hybrid in Oklahoma’s 3-3-5 defense. Began career at Hawaii, where he played for three seasons before transferring to Oklahoma in 2022. Added 65 pounds of mass since his freshman year and will transition from Defensive End to a full-time Defensive Tackle in 2023. Better positional fit as a Defensive Tackle considering his size, high-level play strength, and fluid lower-body agility in limited space. Possesses a strong upper half to control the POA and extends an effective long arm to drive his man into the backfield. Dips hips and shoulders well to gain leverage on inside rush moves but tends to stand up too tall out of his stance and expose his upper half. Decent initial quickness, burst, and hand use at the snap, but has proficient play recognition, read-and-react skills, and block awareness. Boasts a high motor and sneaky straight-line speed & closing speed to pursue the ball from sideline to sideline. Inconsistent and unpredictable tackling ability in open space and in the backfield. Lacks a diverse set of pass rush moves to become a highly-productive pass rusher. Struggles to shed offensive linemen when they get their hands inside his frame. Offers valuable position versatility to line up as a 3-tech and 2i defensive lineman. Difficult to project the best positional fit since he will be playing a new position at a weight he has never played at. Should develop into a quality run stopper given his gap discipline, ability to control the POA, and constant motor.
Scheme Fit:
Position versatile defensive lineman who can play in the 1-Tech, 2i, and 3-Tech spots.
Power Statement:
Laulu is a functional athlete with imposing size, length, and play strength, who can play multiple positions across the defensive line. He will move to Defensive Tackle for the first time as a 6th-year senior; Will be an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on this season.
Originally posted on nfldraftdiamonds.com