Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jason Fanaika was a defensive end for the Utah Utes. In Fanaika’s career he played for both the Utes and the Utah State Aggies, playing at the latter first. He spent two years at Utah State before going on the ever popular mission trip that many players from the state of Utah go on.

His mission was in Indianapolis, where he missed two seasons of football before finding himself in Salt Lake City where he would go on to become a Ute. Fanaika went through not only a spiritual growth but a physical one as well.

At Utah State, he weighed around 250 but once arriving at Utah he came in at around 270. The added weight flashed potential in his first year but in his second season he showed signs of being overweight and sluggish.

If Fanaika can regain form there’s a chance to be a decent player.

Position: DE

School: Utah/Utah State

Height: 6’2

Weight: 271

2015 season stats: 53 (10.5 for loss), four sacks, two forced fumbles, four passes defended

Strengths

For Fanaika’s size, he has exceptional closing speed in the open field. He played in the stand up position for half of his time at Utah but he’s shown value as a player whose hand is in the dirt. He’s one of the few players in this years draft class that has a complete skill set when rushing the passer.

Fanaika has a solid football IQ as well, while he may not be as athletic as many other prospects, his IQ allows him the opportunities to be in position more often than not. His four passes defended show his awareness on the field

There are strong parts to Fanaika’s game that gives promise for the future. His high motor and IQ are both things that coaches in the NFL will be looking for out of their first year players.