The Husky Haul
Fansided

Six Washington Huskies Will Join Pros Via 2018 NFL Draft

By Bret Stuter

Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) carries the trophy after the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Washington won 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) carries the trophy after the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Washington won 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) carries the trophy after the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Washington won 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50) carries the trophy after the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Washington won 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Prospect I: DT Vita Vea

Defensive tackle Vita Vea was feared to be heading for the 2017 NFL Draft, but was persuaded to remain with the Washington Huskies through 2017.  Vea played like a man among boys in the 2016 season, so you can bet he’s aiming at headlining the NCAA defensive linemen this year.

When you stand 6-foot-5 and weigh 332 pounds, you tend to have your way with your opposition. But the NFL version of football does not allow such mismatches, so this year will be vital for Vita Vea to perfect moves to the quarterback.

Vea played nose tackle exclusively. But he stayed abreast of his teammates in the trenches, all the while recording 39 tackles and 5 quarterback sacks in 2017.  You can expect those numbers to improve in 2017. By how much?  I think 60 tackles and 10 sacks are very realistic numbers.  He was courted by NFL dreams at the end of last season. He’ll flirt with a first round ranking by the end of this season.

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