2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Tautala Pesefea Jr., DT, Arizona State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Tautala Pesefea Jr., #44
School (Code)	AZSU
DOB, Class Yr	5/24/99, R-Sr
Height, Weight	6004, 311
40 Yd Dash	5.25
Arms, Hands	3338, 1038
Position/Depth	NT/ 2
Honors/Captainship
Season Viewed (yr)	2021
Games Watched	Wash, Wisc
Scout Name / Date	Marcus Thomasson, 8/31/2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2021	20 To. Tackles, 1 PD,
2020	6 To, Tackles, (4 Games)
2019	11 To, Tackles, (played in 5 games)

Player Summary: 

RS SR and 2-year performer who appeared in all games over ’20 and ‘21 seasons at AZSU, a transfer from American River College in Sacramento who has above-average height and weight. Plays in run downs and red zone situational plays. Is an above-average athlete in the team’s dime defense. Pesefea, when in the red zone, plays the 4 tech, when outside of the red zone plays 0 and with gap containment to the weak side. He reacts to plays in the red zone, with the responsibility of gap control. However, outside of the red zone he makes an effort to apply pressure to the QB and pursue the ball carrier. Pesefea draws a significant number of double teams. He battles through those double teams by utilizing his size to push the pocket and move laterally if necessary. The probability of being double-teamed increases on run plays and inside the red zone. His above-average strength helps him maintain blocks when clogging gaps, however his inability to maintain balance fighting through double teams is often a result of leaning forward into the opposing blocker instead of extending his arms to establish control and move the lineman out of his pathway to pursue the ball carrier. His balance deficiencies can be attributed to his tendency to drop his head while bull-rushing. Pesefea needs to improve his upper and lower body strength which will impact his ability to control OL properly as a gap control NT and will improve his ability to execute a bull rush at the next level.

Scheme Fit:

3-4 & 4-3 NT.. 0, 1, 3 or 4 Tech

Power Statement:

Pesefea has the height and weight of an impactful NT. His awareness redirects run plays and causes motion plays away from his gaps. His subpar pressure and pass rush technique will need to improve this upcoming season to demand attention from pro league teams.