Assessing Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu’s performance at the 2023 NFL Combine
It makes sense that they’re saving the big boys for the final day of the 2023 NFL Combine. While a lot of people like to tune in and watch the quarterbacks and wide receivers work and check out the defensive backs who make the highlight plays, it is often the men up front in the trenches who have some of the biggest impacts on the game.
For the Oregon Ducks, there will be a lot to watch on Sunday in Indianapolis, with three of the six former players taking the field. Alex Forsyth, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and T.J. Bass are all going through drills and working to up their draft stock ahead of April.
Here is our breakdown of everything that Auamavae-Laulu was able to do on Sunday at the combine.
Measurables
(Photo by Zachary Neel | USA TODAY)
Height: 6-foot-5 1/2
Weight: 317 pounds
Hand Size: 10 1/2″
Arm Length: 34 1/2″
40-Yard Dash
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Official Time: 5.48 Seconds
Rank at Position: 18th of 20 Players
Auamavae-Laulu’s 40-yard dash time was probably a little bit slower than some people at Oregon expected, especially considering how he looked this past season when getting out in space and blocking downfield. It will be interesting to see if he runs again at Oregon’s Pro Day to improve that time. For Reference, Georgia’s Broderick Jones led all OL in the 40 with a time of 4.97 seconds.
10-Yard Split
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Official Time: 1.80 Seconds
Rank at Position: 10th of 20 Players
Big Sala’s 10-yard split was impressive, despite the low-tier 40-number. While Aumavae-Laulu ranked near the bottom of all linemen in 40-time, he was much better in just the 10-yard split, showing an ability to get off of the ball quickly. For Reference, BYU’s Blake Freeland led all OL with a split of 1.68 seconds.
Vertical Jump
(Photo by Zachary Neel)
Official Measurement: 28 1/2 inches
Rank at Position: 13th of 20 Players
The vertical jump is another measurement that offers minimal value for offensive linemen, other than displaying the type of burst and leg strength that you’re getting in a player. Big Sala was slightly below average in this aspect. For Reference, BYU’s Blake Freeland led all OL with a measurement of 37″.
Broad Jump
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Official Measurement: 7’11”
Rank at Position: 19th of 39 Players
The broad jump is another measurement that displays the time of lower-body power a lineman has, and the ability to move his weight around in the trenches. Aumavae-Laulu was average among all offensive linemen. For Reference, BYU’s Blake Freeland led all OL with a measurement of 10′.
NFL Combine Grade
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
NFL Combine Grade: 5.67
Much like T.J. Bass, it doesn’t feel like Aumavae-Laulu did much to hurt or help his draft stock at the combine. He still projects as a late-round pick who needs to further develop. According to NFL.com, Big Sala classifies as a “Candidate For Bottom Of Roster Or Practice Squad.” Here are some of his listed strengths:
Wide frame with impressive wingspan and big hands.
Grinds through down blocks, clearing out the lane.
Powerful in his upper body with heavy hands.
Here are some of his listed weaknesses:
Waist-bender who leads with his helmet.
Strikes with sloppy hand placement, preventing block control.
Sluggish change of direction in recovery.
