Junior Tafuna’s NFL Combine performance: Analyzing his draft stock impact

Junior Tafuna was the first of three Utah players invited to the NFL Combine, where he aimed to boost his draft stock in a deep defensive line class. Coming into the event, Tafuna was widely considered a late-round prospect due to concerns about his explosiveness and statistical production. However, his performance at the Combine provided a mix of encouraging results and areas that still require improvement.

40-Yard Dash: A Pleasant Surprise

One of the biggest positives from Tafuna’s performance was his 40-yard dash. He ran a solid 5.03 seconds, placing him eighth among defensive tackles. This was a respectable time in a group where results ranged from 4.83 to 5.39 seconds. However, his 10-yard split of 1.80 seconds ranked only 14th, revealing a lack of initial burst off the line. This confirms the perception that Tafuna’s acceleration is not elite, though his ability to maintain a consistent speed over longer distances is a positive attribute. Depending on how NFL teams plan to use him, this could be either a minor concern or an acceptable trade-off.

Jumping Drills: Below Average

Tafuna’s vertical jump measured 28.5 inches, placing him in the back half of defensive tackles. Comparatively, Georgia’s Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins hit 36 inches, while Florida’s Cam Jackson posted 24.5 inches. Tafuna’s result isn’t terrible, but it highlights that explosion isn’t his strong suit. His decision not to participate in the broad jump may suggest he wanted to avoid further emphasizing a potential weakness.

Wave Drill: Erratic But Steady

In the Wave Drill, Tafuna once again showcased his steady playing speed but struggled with his first step. His reaction time at the start was slower than ideal, and he momentarily hesitated. However, once he got moving, his speed remained consistent. His biggest issue in this drill was his movement pattern—his lines were rounded rather than crisp and perpendicular, something he’ll need to refine for future workouts.

Four-Bag Agility Drill: A Strong Performance

Tafuna shined in the Four-Bag Agility Drill, which tests lateral movement. His footwork was precise, and he maintained control over his movements, avoiding unnecessary contact with the bags. While his lateral quickness was a pleasant surprise, his turns were slightly wider than ideal. Still, this was one of his better drills, showing that he possesses solid agility for his size.

Pass Rush Drill: Strength Over Explosiveness

Tafuna’s performance in the Pass Rush Drill reinforced the biggest critique of his game—he lacks initial explosiveness. His movement was steady, and he finished strong, but he didn’t display the burst that many elite defensive tackles possess. He had to take slightly wider angles to get around obstacles, which may hinder his ability to be a disruptive force at the next level.

Run and Club Drill: Stiffness Shows Up

In the Run and Club Drill, Tafuna displayed some stiffness, particularly when executing his spin move. While his initial club move was adequate, he had to rely on his off-hand for extra help during the spin, which could be seen as either a resourceful adjustment or a lack of natural fluidity. His movement afterward appeared rigid, with less bend than teams typically prefer in a defensive tackle.

Did Tafuna Improve His Draft Stock?

The big question coming out of the Combine is whether Junior Tafuna helped his draft stock? The answer is yes, but not significantly. His steady game speed and lateral agility were positives, but concerns about his initial burst and flexibility remain. If he were already a projected Day 3 pick, his Combine performance likely moved him up within that range, but not out of it.

To truly elevate his draft position, Tafuna will need to showcase improved explosiveness and flexibility at his Pro Day or in private workouts with NFL teams. If he can demonstrate better burst and bend, he could sneak into a higher draft round. Otherwise, he remains a mid-to-late Day 3 prospect—a solid player, but not a game-changing force at the next level.