Strengths

• Relentless and strong off the edge as a pass rusher when fresh. Gets under the pads of tackles to bull rush them into the backfield.
• He's not an elite pass rusher and projects as a left end in a 4-3 defense. If he layers on more muscle, he might fit in the 3-4. Size, strength and versatility should push him into the top 75 picks.
• Vision to locate the ball and recognize cut blocks. Can rip past blockers and pull down ballcarriers when he cannot fully disengage from linemen.
• Possesses accurate snap anticipation and timing to beat blockers off the edge.
• Easily gains inside leverage by shooting gaps.

Weaknesses

• Stands up well against the run but is very pursuit-conscious and will take unneeded wide angles.
• Lacks overpowering strength and can stick to blocks. Lacks explosive speed to bend and flatten off the corner with stiff hips and ankles. Not flexible or fluid.
• He doesn't have the elite quickness or flexibility to flatten off the edge against NFL blockers and might have to add bulk to be a 3-4 defense five-technique, or strong-side end in a 4-3.
• Uncreative pass rusher who lacks counter moves. Raw technique. Streaky and slow to react.
• Never out of a play, but can get out of control and work himself away from the action.

Mika Tafua percentiles vs other Defensive End's (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)