2017 NFL Draft: BYU LB Sae Tautu signs an UDFA deal with the New Orleans Saints

BYU defensive end and outside linebacker Sae Tautu has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Tautu recorded 100 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 30 games at BYU.

Tautu is an explosive edge rusher with the ability to cause disruption in his opponents’ backfields. He is a very aggressive player, which got the best of him on a couple occasions, picking up a few suspensions from targeting penalties. Tautu might be the most underrated NFL prospect out of BYU this year, especially given the value that NFL team’s put on quality edge rushers these day.

Tautu wasn’t always utilized as well as he could have been at BYU, but he produced when he had his chances and also had an impressive Pro Day. At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Tautu will likely fit better as an edge rushing outside linebacker in the NFL than he would at defensive end.

Here’s Tautu’s Pro Day numbers:

40-yard dash - 4.55 seconds
225 bench - 19 reps
Vertical jump - 38.5 inches
Broad jump - 10-foot-6
20-yard shuttle - 4.41 seconds
60-yard shuttle - 11.60 seconds
3-cone drill - 6.92 seconds

If given the right opportunity, Tautu has the talent to go into training camp and prove he can contribute or work his way onto the 55-man roster from a practice squad.

Sae Tautu is my dear friend, Cathy Tibbitts, grandson. I have loved watching him progress through the ranks of high school and BYU football! In high school, he played for American Fork, Kahuku, Hawaii (I think his dad's high school), and Lone Peak. At BYU, red shirted, LDS mission, special teams, starter.

He is an undrafted free agent for the New Orleans Saints! This is like in college, being a "walk-on." You don't have a scholarship, but you have a chance to make the team. Sae has that chance in the pros.

And, don't forget . . . 6th grade at Alpine Elementary to be in Gaga's class!