Anto Saka

NFL Draft Profile: Anto Saka

Position: EDGE | School: Northwestern | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 255 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Anto Saka’s trajectory at Northwestern has been one of elite efficiency. After redshirting in 2022, he burst onto the scene in 2023, recording 5.5 sacks and earning a reputation as a third-down specialist. By 2024, he had solidified himself as one of the Big Ten's most difficult matchups, finishing the season ranked 13th in the conference in pass-rush win percentage. In 2025, Saka successfully transitioned from a "sub-package" weapon into an every-down force. Despite a slight dip in raw sack totals (3.0) due to offensive game-planning and a high volume of double-teams, his advanced metrics—specifically QB pressures and "forced errors"—remained near the top of the conference. Saka enters the draft conversation as a "Freaks List" athlete with the speed of a track star and the technical foundation of a veteran.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 33

• Total Tackles: 41 (13 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 13.0 (4.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 12.0 (3.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 3 (2 in 2025)

• QB Hurries: 40+ career pressures (Per PFF/Team Stats)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Tulane	0 Tkl	C-	Worst Game. Struggled to find rhythm against a mobile QB.
vs. W. Illinois	0 Tkl, 1 QBH	B-	Constant pressure in limited snaps; forced two early throws.
vs. Oregon	1 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	Held the edge against elite speed; disciplined gap play.
vs. UCLA	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Star impact. Dominant in run support and pass rush.
vs. LA-Monroe	1 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Flashy speed-to-power move for a solo sack.
@ Maryland	2 Tkl	B	Solid pursuit; tracked down a RB from the backside.
vs. Purdue	1 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 1 FF	A+	Season Best. Game-changing strip-sack in a tight win.
@ Nebraska	1 Tkl	B-	Good Mental Toughness; battled through a minor ankle tweak.
@ USC	1 Tkl	B	Used length to disrupt throwing lanes; disciplined containment.
vs. Michigan	2 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Leadership. Forced a fumble in a high-leverage rivalry snap.
vs. Minnesota	1 Tkl	B	High Stamina game; played 55+ snaps in a cold-weather win.
@ Illinois	1 Tkl	B-	Physical trench battle; consistently squeezed the pocket.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite "Freak" Athleticism: A former track standout with an 11.5-second 100m dash, Saka’s Speed and Acceleration are his calling cards. He can turn the corner with a frighteningly low dip.

• Technical Growth: Formerly just a speed rusher, Saka has developed a "long-arm" stab and a cross-chop that allows him to win even when he can't out-run the tackle.

• Positional IQ: His Play Recognition in the 2025 season was notably improved. He no longer over-pursues, showing much better patience against read-options.

• Special Teams Value: Unlike many high-end edge prospects, Saka has remained a core contributor on kick coverage, showing a true Team Player mentality.

Weaknesses

• Anchor Strength: While he added 15 lbs for his senior year, he can still be moved by massive NFL-caliber "road grader" tackles on direct run plays.

• Statistical Volatility: His production can be "streaky." He can dominate a drive and then go silent for two quarters if an offensive line adjusts their protection.

• Hand Fighting Persistence: Occasionally, if his initial move is parried, he can get stuck on the block rather than instantly transitioning to a counter.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker or a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR) in a 4-3.

NFL Comparison: Uchenna Nwosu / Haason Reddick

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Anto Saka is the "explosive wild card" of this draft class. While he doesn't have the 310lb girth required for some traditional DE roles, his "Freaks List" athleticism and high-end pass-rush win rate make him a Day 2 lock with Day 1 upside. His character is impeccable—demonstrated by his leadership in the weight room and his willingness to play special teams as a senior. Coaches will love his High Motor and Mental Toughness. He is a projectable starter who could easily lead a team in sacks within his first three seasons.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round