Cleveland Browns select Siaki Ika in third round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former Baylor standout, defensive tackle Siaki Ika, has been selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 335-pound defensive lineman began his college career with LSU as a freshman during their 2020 National Championship, and transferred to Baylor where he starred for the past two years. Ika earned back-to-back All-Big 12 first-team honors during his time with the Bears.

Ika came into the draft as one of the most promising defensive tackle prospects as well. According to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Ika was the third-best defensive tackle available in this year’s selection of players. With incredible size and a proven ability to excel at the college level, Ika is poised to be a problem for offenses at the NFL level.

Ika was a highly touted recruit out of Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 18 defensive line recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Siaki Ika

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein shared his breakdown on what makes Ika a promising draft prospect for an NFL team, revealing his scouting take on the Baylor star. According to Zierlein, Ika compares to Danny Shelton at the next level.

“Girthy interior force with heavy hands and a combative nature at the point of attack,” explained Zierlein. “Ika is made for gap control with his wide frame and ready anchor. While he has the potential to become a highly effective block-eater as an odd or even front nose tackle, he’s quick enough off the snap to penetrate and disrupt play design if teams try to block him one-on-one.

“While he’s unlikely to see passing downs, Ika does have enough athleticism and hand work to challenge the pocket from time to time. If he’s able to manage his weight, Ika could become an early starter and help improve a leaky run defense.”

As Zierlein explains, Ika’s size and athleticism makes him a potential big factor in run defense for a team. His ability to grow at the next level will go a long way in determining exactly how much of an impact he can have, but Zierlein’s prediction coming into the draft was a fourth or fifth-round selection for the Bears’ star.