Unpolished Brute Kingsley Suamataia

Last season I evaluated BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia when he was lined up at right tackle, and this season he was at left tackle.

No doubt, there is value in that kind of versatility, but it needs to be tempered.

In terms of an NFL projection, I see Suamataia (cousins with Lions’ left tackle Penei Sewell) being the best fit at guard given how raw he is in space pass and run blocking.

Left tackle in the NFL is all about nimble and coordinated lateral footwork, and that is the big concern with Suamataia.

It’s no different than the concern I had about him from his 2022 game film when he played at right tackle.

Two seasons ⎯two different positions ⎯same concern.

The thing I love about him is his aggressive nature.

The other concern

Blitzing defenders also remained a problem.

Whether inside or outside ⎯or on a delayed blitz ⎯didn’t matter.

NFL teams watch the tape too and NFL defensive coordinators will test the daylights out of Suamataia’s gaps with blitzing defenders until he figures it out (if he figures it out).

Pass blocking upside

Suamataia is a high-effort guy.

This BYU offensive lineman pushes and shoves. He gives it everything he has to give.

He can control and maintain vanilla pass rushers who try to beat him through the back door of the pocket (for the most part). He’s got above-average lateral foot speed. I would not call his lateral footwork fast.

His hands are active and he really works at it. He does a decent job. He’s just not a franchise first-round left tackle type.

His pass-protecting technique is too raw.

Suamataia is also susceptible to giving up pressure when pass rushers take him upfield to the backdoor of the pocket and then work hard back to the inside.

Inconsistent run blocker

Suamataia is a run-blocking bully. He has a hard time sustaining run blocks, but he loves to push defenders around.

The thing about these types is sometimes that’s enough and sometimes it’s not.

He’s best with leverage and in a limited area.

It’s hit-and-miss out in space if he’s pulling, trying to get to the second level (where the linebackers reside pre-snap), or further downfield. If he connects, look out.

Projects to a decent limited area guard

I am not sold on Suamataia at either tackle position. Against today’s edge rushers in the NFL, it’s tough when a prospect lacks polish and it’s all based on raw athleticism and effort.

These edge rushers know how to test and keep testing tackles until they find a way into the pocket.

That won’t bode well for Suamataia.

I am most excited about moving Suamataia inside to guard where his lateral footwork won’t be nearly as exposed and his big-sized frame could help fill in the area.

He’s got that high aggression level that better fits at guard. Tackle is more of a finesse position. It’s more of a position for 300+ pound ballerinas.

That’s not Suamataia.

He’s plays like he’s a bouncer at a bar.

#78 Kingsley Suamataia 6-foot-6, 325 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 33.2% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 15, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

BYU Offensive Tackle Kingsley Suamataia is Aggressive but Raw (4 games evaluated)

2023 game film reviewed: Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Cincinnati (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS PROFILE

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

A wide body physically developmental prospect with equally distributed power with average pass and run blocking technique. In pass protection sets up well in the shallow depth of the pocket with hands in ready position. Footwork becomes inconsistent once engaged with pass rushers. At times can lower his head and lose blocking leverage. Battles and fights. Iron-clad anchor. Nobody is bullrushing this guy. While run blocking is most effective with positional advantage. Lacks short-area quickness to get ahead of defenders down the line of scrimmage on inside runs. Good straight-line long-distance speed, but he’s all over the road in space.

Final words

Suamataia did not show improvement from 2022 to 2023.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.