Browns NFL Draft Profile: OG Sataoa Laumea

Laumea’s positional versatility and power could be his most attractive trait

The Cleveland Browns have one of the best interior offensive lines in the league with Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, and Wyatt Teller leading the way. Though this group will remain intact in 2024, there’s a chance that it won’t be in 2025.

Joel Bitonio will turn 33 during the 2024 season and he’s been dealing with nagging injuries here and there over the past two seasons. His most recent ailment has been his back which is always something to keep track of, but he seems to be “okay” as of right now.

Wyatt Teller has been one of the best guards in the league as of late but he has a huge cap hit in 2025, is turning 30 years old, and they could safely trade him post-June 1st next offseason to get out of that contract.

If Cleveland decides to be proactive in this situation then Sataoa Laumea is a player who will most likely be on their radar heading into draft weekend due to his scheme fit, run-blocking prowess, and “play now” ability.

Name

Sataoa Laumea

Position

Offensive Guard

Height/Weight

6’4.2”, 319 pounds

College

University of Utah

Stats

2023: 12 starts at RT

Overall: 44 career starts – 19 starts at RG, 25 starts at RT

Relative Athletic Score

“Big Board” ranking at time of publishing

169th

What experts are saying

“Four-year starter with extensive experience at both right guard and right tackle. Laumea is a very competent drive blocker and possesses adequate agility and athleticism to get to lateral landmarks on the move. He can get from block to block as a climber and is generally conscientious of his footwork to bolster his success on positional blocks. His habit of over-setting and opening inside tracks to the pocket is a concern, whether he’s at tackle or guard. One issue that might not be correctable is his propensity for disengaging from blocks after initial contact rather than sustaining. Laumea fits all run schemes and has future starting potential at guard.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft Analyst

“Sataoa Laumea is an experienced and versatile offensive lineman who offers the strength and foot quickness to develop into a quality starting NFL guard.” – Brentley Weissman, The Draft Network

“Overall, Laumea is a thick, stoutly built blocker with twitch, fluid movements and heavy hands who often plays with an overaggressive, frenetic style that leads to clean, glaring losses across his face. Laumea offers core starting guard traits to work with, but after 44 collegiate starts and the same struggles to connect on target consistently showing up in at the Senior Bowl, he appears to have engrained some bad habits.” – Brandon Thorn B/R NFL Scout

Pros

• Very quick, excellent jump-sets
• Heavy hands with a powerful punch to knock opponents back
• Good frame, girthy lower body with a strong core
• Position-flexible
• Great anchoring ability against bullrushers
• Displays above-average power in the run game
• Good pass set

Cons

• Needs to play with more consistent technique and pad level
• Has had a problem with hesitating against speed rushers which causes him to overset
• Needs to work on bending his knees more consistently

Browns player drafting could impact

Though Laumea has the ability to push for a starting role as a rookie, he’ll most likely be a depth player behind Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller in 2024. Depending on whether or not the team moves on from Teller to create cap space or Bitonio contemplates retirement following the upcoming season, Laumea would be in line for a starting role heading into the 2025 campaign.

Priority

Medium. The driving factor of drafting an offensive guard in the middle rounds would be based on how the team views the futures of both Bitonio and Teller. Though guard isn’t the most pressing “need” in this year’s draft cycle, this class has an abundance of depth and talent at the position.

What are your thoughts on Sataoa Laumea? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.