Alameda Ta'amu 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Alameda Ta'amu
6'3, 333 pounds | Defensive tackle | Washington

First word:   Defensive linemen have been very popular the last few drafts as more teams are looking for players that can both stop the run and create pressure.  Ta'amu will be someone NFL teams like because he has good size and surprising athletic ability.

He is very quick off the line of scrimmage and possesses a good short area burst.  His quickness is coupled with a high motor allowing him to be a disruptive player.  Ta'amu has good technique both keeping his pad level low and using his hands to keep blockers off his body.

Ta'amu plays like a 3 technique with a penetrating stiye and quickness.  However, his size and weight may prevent him for being effective.  Many evaluators will look at his size and peg him as a nose tackle or a two gap player.  He doesn't anchor well enough to play two gap football.  Of course, he has this season to improve and develop better lower half strength.

Overall, Ta'amu is an intriguing prospect because of his rare combination of size and quickness.  NFL teams love quick defensive linemen that can be disruptive.  However, he needs to do a better job anchoring if he wishes to be an early draft day selection.

Bold statement: Ta'amu will impress scouts at the NFL combine (especially in his 10 yard split) resulting in a major rise in his draft stock

Games viewed: Nebraska ('10), Washington St. ('10), California ('10), USC ('10), Oregon State ('10)

Alameda Ta'amu
6'3, 333 pounds | Defensive tackle | Washington

Notes:

• Ta'amu is a massive player but with poor weight distribution, mostly top heavy
• He has a shockingly quick first step allow him to penetrate the pocket
  
• His hands are equally quick helping keep defenders off his body
• Ta'amu's high motor permits him to constantly pursue the football
• Consistently gets inside hands helping drive the offensive linemen off the ball
• Despite his size he is able to keep his pad level low and underneath the offensive line
• He is very active along the line often running stunts
• His quickness allows him to purse the football down the line of scrimmage
• Getting inside hands creates space and helps him locate the football
• Ta'amu is more of a penetrator rather than an occupier
• He struggles to anchor against double teams often getting moved off the line
• This makes me question his ability to play two gap football