Keanu Tanuvasa

NFL Draft Profile: Keanu Tanuvasa

Position: Defensive Tackle | School: BYU (via Utah) | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 300 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Keanu Tanuvasa is one of the most physically imposing interior defenders in the Big 12. After a standout start at Utah, where he was named a Freshman All-American (2023) and an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2024), Tanuvasa made the rare and shocking transfer across the rivalry line to BYU for the 2025 season. Known as a "space-eater" with "freakish" athletic upside, he has consistently drawn double teams throughout his career. His 2025 season in Provo was defined by his role as the anchor of a top-tier defense, proving he could maintain his high-level production and Leadership in a new system after overcoming significant injury adversity in late 2024.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 37

• Total Tackles: 73

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 16.0

• Sacks: 5.0

• 2025 Production: 24 Tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 Sacks, 3 PD, 3 QB Hurries

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Portland St.	1 Tkl	B	Solid debut; commanded double teams; played limited snaps.
vs. Stanford	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A	Best Performance. Relentless Pass Rush; dominated the interior.
@ East Carolina	3 Tkl	B+	Strong Stamina; chased plays sideline-to-sideline.
@ Colorado	0 Tkl	C+	Quiet on the stat sheet but effectively occupied gaps.
vs. West Virginia	2 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Great Run Block Shred; reset the line of scrimmage.
@ Arizona	0 Tkl	B-	High Mental Toughness in 2OT win; held the middle clean.
vs. Utah	3 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Rivalry Impact. Played with high Competitor drive against former team.
@ Iowa State	0 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Crucial batted pass at the line; showed great IQ.
@ Texas Tech	3 Tkl	B	Fought through heavy interior blocking; high High Motor.
vs. TCU	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sack	A-	Clutched a key sack; showed improved Technique.
@ Cincinnati	4 Tkl	B+	Physical presence; led the DL in stops during a close win.
vs. UCF	1 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Solid gap integrity; neutralised the interior run game.
vs. Texas Tech (B12)	0 Tkl, 1 PD	C+	Struggled with tempo; Pad Level rose in the second half.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• First Step & Acceleration: For a 300 lb man, Tanuvasa has an elite "get-off." His Acceleration allows him to penetrate the B-gap before guards can establish their punch.

• Functional Power: He possesses massive natural strength in his lower half, allowing him to anchor against double teams and rarely get moved off the ball.

• Batted Passes (IQ): He is very conscious of passing lanes. His 3 PDs in 2025 highlight his Play Recognition when he realizes he won't reach the QB in time.

• Character/Leadership: Handled a controversial transfer with professional maturity and immediately became a leader in the BYU locker room.

Weaknesses

• Injury History: Missed the final six games of 2024 with a significant injury. While 2025 was clean, NFL teams will look closely at his Durability.

• Pass Rush Tool Bag: He relies heavily on a bull-rush and speed-to-power. He needs to develop more consistent hand counters (rip/swim) for the NFL.

• Pad Level: In the Big 12 Championship, he showed a tendency to play too high when fatigued, making him easier to stalemated by NFL-sized guards.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-Technique in a 4-3 front or a 5-Technique in a 3-4 front that asks its ends to play aggressively.

NFL Comparison: Roy Lopez / Harrison Phillips ---

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 85/100

Keanu Tanuvasa is a high-ceiling prospect who has already earned first-round buzz in "way-too-early" mocks due to his unique blend of size and foot quickness. While his 2025 sack numbers weren't eye-popping, his tape shows a player who disrupts the timing of the entire offense. His ability to handle the "dirty work" while flashing game-wrecking athleticism makes him a highly coveted asset. If his medical reports come back clean, he is a lock for the second day of the draft with a high probability of pushing into the late first round for a team needing interior mass.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round