Pass Rush:

Will not be mistaken as an elite pass-rusher anytime soon. However, shows a nice get-off and has a powerful bull-rush. Doesn’t have very many moves other than the bull-rush. Has a good motor and while he may not generate many sacks he can be disruptive. Can physically dominate smaller centers and guards.

Grade: 2.0

Strength:

Tremendous strength. Has a powerful frame, listed at 6’3 337 and carries the weight well. Can shock lineman back with his initial punch. Strong bull-rusher who can drive lineman back into the quarterback. Has violent hands and uses them to disengage. Has a great anchor but will at times get caught upright and allow himself to be over-powered by smaller lineman.

Grade: 4.5

Quickness:

Surprisingly quick off the snap. Can disrupt plays with his initial quickness, especially when he fires out low from his stance. Other than, that he’s your basic 330+ pounder. Not overly dynamic as a pass-rusher and lacks great lateral agility. Struggles to change direction in space although he gives good effort.

Grade: 3.0

Point of Attack:

Size is a big plus at the point of attack. Has a strong anchor and is a force when he plays with good leverage. However, will at times get too upright too quickly and this will allow lineman to get under his pads and move him effectively. Stands up to double teams well and holds his ground. Will get penetration when he fires off the snap but is more of a space-eater than a guy who will live in the backfield. Sheds well when the runner is coming at him but struggles to do so when on the move. This makes him below average when flowing down the line as he is often impeded and he loses his balance. Has to improve his hand usage.

Grade: 3.0

Tackling:

Makes most of his tackles by plowing into people and knocking them down. Doesn’t always wrap up and as you can imagine he has some difficulty bringing down ball-carriers in space. However, delivers a pop as a tackler and can stop runners in their tracks due to his size and strength.

Grade: 2.0

Intangibles:

A 3.5 year starter who started 5 games as a true freshman. Regarded as a high character player and hard worker who did a good job of keeping his weight in check. Broke his foot in high school and played through much of the 2011 season while dealing with nagging injuries. Has a good motor and gives good effort on the field. His size and strength make him a great 3-4 nose tackle prospect which will boost his stock.

Grade: 4.0

Outlook:

Ta’amu is a great nose tackle prospect and should be very valuable to 3-4 teams. He’s got the raw strength but he needs some time to develop, primarily with his hand usage. He flashes the ability to use his hands to shed blocks but isn’t consistent in doing so and is the reason why he’s not as disruptive as you’d like him to be. However, he’s not far from being a great starting nose tackle in the NFL and with his work ethic he should be able to improve with some coaching.