The general consensus is that the Houston Texans knocked it out of the park in the NFL Draft, taking care of some obvious needs while also adding some tremendously talented players in the process.
Utah’s Junior Tafuna signed as a free agent with the Houston Texans on Sunday after being passed over in the NFL Draft. The senior defensive tackle from Taylorsville had been projected to be selected in the seventh round or sign with a team as a priority free agent.
Pewter Report analyzes the top players in the 2025 NFL Draft with its position previews. Scott Reynolds continues the previews at the defensive tackle position, offering a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need on the interior of the defensive line.
Junior Tafuna was the first of three Utah players invited to the NFL Combine, where he aimed to boost his draft stock in a deep defensive line class. Coming into the event, Tafuna was widely considered a late-round prospect due to concerns about his explosiveness and statistical production.
All NFL players enter the season with high hopes, but sometimes seasons don't go as hoped. These 20 players have been some of the biggest disappointments early in the 2025 season.
Junior Tafuna is a defensive tackle whose game is built more on traits than sheer statistical production. His freshman season at Utah was his most productive, tallying 33 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 6 tackles for loss.
Height: 6027 (verified) Weight: 303lbs (verified) Year: Redshirt Senior Pro Comparison: Jay Tufele Utah Utes defensive tackle Junior Tafuna is a high-motor defender with requisite levels of strength, length, and anchor for the NFL game.
Utah defensive lineman Junior Tafuna made a significant impact at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, showcasing his talent with a dominant defensive performance.
The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl has seen its week of practices come to a close. There is no shortage of prospects who should leave this week feeling like they helped their outlook for the 2025 NFL Draft, although some players have done exceptionally well this week to change the perception and narrative of who they are as prospects.
Two of Utah football’s top defensive playmakers, Karene Reid and Junior Tafuna, are making the most of their opportunity at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, a premier showcase for NFL Draft prospects.
Utah football continues its tradition of showcasing meaningful themes with its annual hand-painted helmet, and this year’s design celebrates Polynesian culture within the program.
For years, Thanksgiving belonged to the NFL, but Christmas belonged to the NBA. Occasionally, an NFL game would fall on Christmas, but it was anomalous, even avoided if possible.
No. 16 Utah started their game against Arizona State with a confident and calculated opening drive. Receiving the kickoff, the Utes methodically marched down the field, stringing together a 12-play, 46-yard drive that showcased their discipline and patience on offense.
Morgan Scalley’s confidence in Utah’s defensive line has not only remained high but seems to have increased as the season approaches. The depth and leadership on the defensive line, particularly from players like Junior Tafuna and Keanu Tanuvasa, have given Scalley a reason to be optimistic.
University of Utah Football defensive tackle Junior Tafuna received significant national recognition today after being named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy preseason watch lists.