HEROSPORTS
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
HEROSPORTS
No Result
View All Result

NFL Draft: Jonah Tavai’s Potential High After San Diego State Career

Colton Pool by Colton Pool
April 27, 2023
San Diego State defensive lineman Jonah Tavai

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

In just two seconds, Jonah Tavai can alter the course of football games.

San Diego State was leading 38-24 midway through the fourth quarter of the 2021 Frisco Bowl, and UTSA had the ball on SDSU’s 42 on third and 10.

The Aztecs lined up three defenders outside of the left tackle, and Tavai was one of them. In a mere two seconds of game time, he zoomed past the offensive line before anyone knew who to block and took the quarterback to the ground.

This is proof Tavai has been a formidable pass rusher in the Mountain West for years now.

18 DAYS UNTIL THE FRISCO BOWL!🏈

Today, we highlight Jonah Tavai's sack during the 4th quarter of the 2021 Frisco Bowl.@AztecFB

#FriscoBowl l #FriscoMeansFootball | #BowlSeason pic.twitter.com/6fGr6af77X

— Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (@FriscoBowlGame) November 29, 2022

Jonah Tavai Stats

Tavai was an Associated Press second-team All-American defensive tackle in 2022 while making the All-Mountain West first team.

Tavai led interior defenders in total pressures (69), sacks (10.5) and hurries (46) in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also top 20 with 32 tackles.

PFF graded Tavai the fifth-best interior defender last season. His pass rush was ranked second, while his performance against the run was 11th.

At 6-foot, 290 pounds, Tavai also brings versatility. Via PFF, he lined up at defensive tackle for 194 snaps in 2022, and he had 192 snaps outside the tackle.

𝔸𝕝𝕝-𝔸𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕟⁠
⁠@AztecFB's Jonah Tavai is an AP Second Team All-American‼️⁠
⁠#AtThePEAK | #MWFB | #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/haUVr7yDGH

— Mountain West (@MountainWest) December 13, 2022

Jonah Tavai Draft Projection

Tavai should go in the sixth round of the NFL Draft considering his production. Mock drafts have seen him go between the fifth and seventh rounds or going undrafted.

PFF’s All-Amercia Team: Defensive edition🔥 pic.twitter.com/aRM96yELBQ

— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 30, 2022

Jonah Tavai’s Defensive Line Impact

At his size, Tavai isn’t easy to move at the point of attack. He demands the attention of multiple blockers at once because he can win one-on-one in a variety of ways. 

He has an impressive rip move, and he knows how to use his leverage well with it. He also has quick feet, especially when moving laterally.

Luq Barcoo and Jonah Tavai with the combined sack for the Aztecs. pic.twitter.com/WNgUAYjPwb

— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) October 27, 2019

Tavai isn’t fast in the open field, but he’s incredibly strong. He’ll use that strength to push some NFL offensive linemen around.

Tavai could be more consistent at maintaining and clogging up gaps against the run. But he can aid NFL teams in a plethora of ways, as he played defensive tackle and defensive end with San Diego State and even dropped back into coverage occasionally in college.

Overall, his versatility should make franchises consider drafting him at some point.

Previous Post

NFL Draft: C.J. Johnson Could Be A Late-Round Sleeper

Next Post

NFL Draft: Jerrod Clark Destined For Big-Man Touchdown One Day

Next Post
NFL Draft Jerrod Clark

NFL Draft: Jerrod Clark Destined For Big-Man Touchdown One Day

No Result
View All Result

Recent Posts

  • Mountain West Football News: 4 Transfer Portal Storylines To Watch Out For
  • FCS Daily Dose: Next Step For Ivy League Football? It Should Strengthen Its Non-Conference Scheduling
  • 2025 FCS Jersey Countdown: The Best Returning Player For Each Number

HERO Sports is the go-to website for FBS and FCS football news, analysis, and predictions.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)

For new customer offers, Bonus Bets expire in seven days. One New Customer Offer only. Add'l terms. For existing customers, Bonus Bets expire in seven days. Add'l terms.

21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Welcome Offer Bet $10, $150 in Bonus Bets

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AVAILABLE IN THE US). 21+ ONLY. CO, MI, NJ, PA, WV ONLY. PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. SEE BETMGM.COM FOR TERMS. THIS PROMOTIONAL OFFER IS FOR NEW PLAYERS ONLY. SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. BONUS BETS ARE NON-WITHDRAWABLE. US PROMOTIONAL OFFERS NOT AVAILABLE IN MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW YORK, ONTARIO AND PUERTO RICO.

  • About HERO Sports
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 HERO SPORTS.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • FCS
    • FCS Home
    • Big South-OVC
    • Big Sky
    • CAA
    • Ivy
    • MEAC
    • MVFC
    • NEC
    • Patriot
    • Pioneer
    • SoCon
    • Southland
    • SWAC
    • UAC
  • FBS
    • FBS Home
    • AAC Football
    • CUSA Football
    • MAC Football
    • Mountain West Football
    • Sun Belt Football
  • College Basketball
  • Register at BetMGM
  • BetMGM Promotions
  • More
    • About HERO Sports
    • Contact

© 2022 HERO SPORTS.