NORMAN — Perhaps no Oklahoma Sooner impressed NFL scouts more than defensive lineman Jonah Laulu on Tuesday. The eyes of the NFL world descended upon OU’s Everest Training Center in Norman for the Sooners’ yearly Pro Day, one of the last chances for former Oklahoma players to impress scouts before the upcoming NFL Draft. Though he didn’t get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Laulu showed he’s one of the most athletic defensive line prospects in this year’s draft pool.
Laulu ran the 40-yard dash in 4.96 seconds, which would have ranked sixth among defensive tackles that participated in the combine. His vertical jump was 36 inches, which would have been the best mark amongst defensive tackles at the combine by over two inches. Laulu’s 9-foot-10-inch broad jump would have also lead all defensive tackles at the combine. His 7.57-second mark in the 3-cone drill would have ranked second, and Laulu’s 4.59-second 20-yard shuttle would have finished third. He also completed 24 repetitions on the bench press, which would have been 10th amongst defensive tackles. “I’m happy,” Laulu said after completing his work at Pro Day. “I’m content with my numbers today. It’s just a blessing to be able to do this in front of all these people.”
Without a combine invite, there was plenty of pressure on Laulu to perform in front of the gathered scouts. Related: Oklahoma’s Drake Stoops ‘Felt Good’ About Cones, Shuttle, Routes At Pro Day If there were any nerves, Laulu showed no signs, instead putting on a show. “As we walked in we started walking closer and closer to the indoor (facility),” he said, “I started getting really excited because man, I’ve been training like the past three months for this. I’ve just been looking forward to this.” Laulu, who transferred to OU as a defensive end from Hawaii before shifting over to defensive tackle, said he was pleased to be able to quell any doubts about maintaining his athleticism after putting on more weight to play on the interior of the defensive line.
