Nico Iamaleava Receives Undraftable Free Agent Grade

I last left off putting a third-round grade on UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

That was from when I evaluated his 2024 game film, back when he played for the University of Tennessee, before he transferred to UCLA on April 20, 2025.

So, naturally, I was optimistic about him as a prospect at that point.

But…

It didn’t take long for my optimism to fade when I turned on his 2025 game film.

Granted⎯

Iamaleava looks the part. That’s what makes his evaluation more challenging.

So, what’s the problem?

Iamaleava regressed on his 2025 game film.

How so?

He regressed in the areas of ball security and in his deep ball accuracy (+20 air yard throws). Average pass breakups (PBUs) jumped from 2.46 per game in 2024 to 2.82 in 2025 (2024: 32 PBUs/13 games and 2025: 31 PBUs/11 games). His +19 air yard throws were at 40.9% in 2024 (18/44). His +20 air yard throws were at 15.4% (4/26) in 2025. In other words, his ball security got worse, and his deep game became less frequent and less accurate.

Not good.

Iamaleava’s throwing process is just too inconsistent

To his credit⎯

Iamaleava flashed sporadic “moments” when he put it all together, made quicker reads, and got the ball out of his hand faster. It’s in him to do it.

That’s what keeps me hanging on, but that wasn’t the norm.

What was the norm?

Iamaleava’s body language is too revealing in terms of “when” and “where” he’s going to throw the ball. He also tends to hold onto the ball noticeably too long. His throwing process tends to be on the slower side.

What other issues does holding the ball too long cause for Iamaleava?

• Sacks (and yardage losses)
• Forces him to run A LOT

Iamaleava was sacked 27 times last season, and he had 112 rushing attempts. He’s too “run-heavy” at the quarterback position by NFL standards.

What are some of his other strengths?

• Body flexibility
• Has some escapability to get out of pressure
• Poised
• Tough
• Competitive

NFL crystal ball

At this point in Iamaleava’s evaluation process, he projects to be on an NFL team’s practice squad. I see him running the scout team.

The most disheartening part of his evaluation overall for me is that he flashed the ability to be able to get the ball out of his hand on schedule on his 2024 game film. I thought this meant he was turning the corner on his 2025 game film. But that’s not how it turned out.

Instead, he only flashed the ability to do it again…

#9 Nico Iamaleava 6-foot-6, 215 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2026 Spring Grade: Undraftable free agent (I would sign him)

🚩 HIGH INJURY RISK

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a Fifth-Round prospect as of June 29, 2026

New UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava Shows NFL Potential (2024: 13 games evaluated)

2025 game film evaluated: Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland, Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and USC (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025 time to throw: 2.83 seconds (PFF)

Suffered a hit to the head vs. Washington and left the game (Yahoo Sports)

2027 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Inconsistent and conservative dual-role game manager. Streaky. Runs a heavy RPO scheme out of shotgun formation. Primarily works the short- to intermediate-range routes (0-19 yards). Downfield focused to a fault. Average pocket awareness. Can get overwhelmed by the pass rush. Allows himself to get too overcrowded at times. Inconsistent working through his progressions. First read dependent. Capable of working to his second read. Makes some questionable throwing decisions. Quiet feet. Tends to throw from a balanced base. Mechanics dependent. Flashes sidearm throws. Pushes the ball downfield with his throwing motion. Tries to aim and steer the ball too much. Has a slight tendency to fumble. Legit runner. Below average at protecting his body. Takes on a lot of contact.

What to watch for during the 2026 college football season?

1. Time to throw?

2. Ball security?

3. 20+ air yards completion percentage?

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, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.