BYU Football: Five teams that Sione Takitaki may be drafted by
By Adam Gibby
Every player fits best with certain teams. For example, a big 400 pound center probably wouldn’t do as good on a fast no huddle team as a lean quick 280 pound center would.
Sione Takitaki showed impressive numbers during the NFL Combine. He has been ranked as one of the top ten linebackers in the draft following his impressive performance. To give some perspective, here are some of the numbers that he put up in the NFL Combine compared to Fred Warner who was drafted in the third round last year.
Fred Warner: 6’3, 236 4.64- 40 21 reps 38.5 vert 119 broad 6.9 3 cone 4.28 shuttle
Sione Takitaki: 6’1, 238 4.63- 40 . 24 reps 37 vert 125 broad 7.2 3 cone 4.28 shuttle
In general Takitaki matches up or was better than Fred Warner in many categories.
Although it is not a guarantee, it is starting to look very likely that TakiTaki will be taken anywhere form the third and fifth round.
But not every team would be able to utilize his skill set in the best way (think of Jimmer anywhere, or even Taysom with the Packers) so here are five teams that could really use Sione Takitaki
5. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are known for getting guys who are able to get in the backfield. Last season however, they struggled having any players get there. Jarrad Davis led the team with 10 TFL, which again for a defensive minded team is not good enough. Although Takitaki would not likely make an immediate impact, it would at least push the other linebackers, Jarrad Davis and Devon Kennard and he could be utilized in the defensive rush game
The interesting thing is that Jarrad Davis, 23 years old, is a young player himself and so he doesn’t have the advantage of knowing the league really well as a player that has say five years in the league. For that reason, if Davis were to play bad, it could very easily put Takitaki into a situation to get some significant playing time.