Closer Look at Green Bay Packers UDFA IDL Hauati Pututau

With a handful of players left in my Green Bay Packers UDFA deep dive, next up is another interior defensive lineman, Hauati Pututau from Utah.

If you’ve missed any of the previous articles in this series, you can find each of them below.

Cole Schneider

Caleb Jones

Chauncey Manac

Tyler Goodson

Akial Byers

Caliph Brice

BJ Baylor

Danny Davis

The Current State of the Green Bay Packers Interior Defensive Line Position

This is easily going to be the best and deepest interior defensive line rotation that the Green Bay Packers have had in some time–and with that, there are very few question marks.

Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Dean Lowry, TJ Slaton, and Jarran Reed are going to make up the five-man rotation. And while, yes, I know the team can save just over $4 million by moving on from Lowry after June 1st, I don’t see that being the case either.

He is coming off a career year, and I believe he is someone valued much more highly within the organization because of all the dirty work that he does upfront, and that is just something that is not going to show up on the stat sheet. Also, this is a team with Super Bowl hopes once again, and the defensive front doesn’t get better by Lowry not being there.

While those five roster spots are locked up, perhaps Green Bay chooses to keep a sixth interior defensive lineman, just as they did in 2021. If they do, the favorites for that role are likely going to be Jack Heflin or Jonathan Ford. However, Akial Byers and Pututau will have their opportunity as well–although the practice squad may be the more likely landing spot.

What to Know About Pututau’s College Career

During his time at Utah, Pututau was primarily a rotation member of the defensive front, starting in only 12 games during his five-year playing career–so his raw numbers don’t exactly leap off the page. He’s also a space eater, which isn’t going to result in consistent production either, but it’s a job that someone has to do.

The 412 defensive snaps that Pututau saw in 2021 were his most in a single season. It’s also important to note that he was on the field for 242 special teams snaps as well–which, of course, is an important aspect for any UDFA.

Of his 1,285 career snaps, 762 came against the pass, according to PFF ($$), and the other 522 verse the run. He lined up primarily in the B-gap, but he does have some A-gap experience as well.

Pututau would record 45 total pressures during his playing career with eight sacks, and he also had 11 pass deflections. As a pass rusher, this past year was his most productive as he logged 19 pressures along with four sacks.

However, his missed tackle rate was a very high 39.1% percent, and for what it’s worth, his run defense grade from PFF would rank 124th out of all eligible interior defenders.

Pututau stands 6’3″ – 306 pounds and posted a RAS of 6.24 out of 10. His 40-time of 5.21-seconds, along with his 10-yard split and vertical jump, would bring his score down. Although, his 30 reps on the bench press and 9’03” broad jump were impressive.

What the Pre-Draft Scouting Report has to Say

Tony Pauline – Pro Football Network

"“Positives: Big-bodied interior defender who effectively occupies the gaps and ties up opponents,” said Pauline. “Stays with assignments, plays with excellent pad level, and works his hands throughout the action. Fires off the snap with an explosive first step. Attracts a lot of double-team blocks. Shows the ability to slide down the line and gives effort defending the run.Negatives: Marginally productive throughout his college career and is not much of a pass rusher.Analysis: Pututau is a big, strong defensive tackle who flashes athleticism. He’s unpolished but has an upside and should get consideration for a practice squad.”"