2026 NFL Prospect Profile: BYU’s Defensive Lineman, Keanu Tanuvasa

BYU defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa has steadily developed into one of the more intriguing trench defenders in the Big 12, combining size, strength, and positional versatility into a profile that NFL evaluators value highly. As BYU continues to establish itself at the Power Four level, Tanuvasa has emerged as a reliable presence along the defensive front, anchoring the line with physicality and discipline. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, he projects as a developmental defensive lineman with starter upside in the right system.

Tanuvasa has been a multi-year contributor for the Cougars, earning rotational snaps early before growing into a consistent role across multiple alignments. BYU has deployed him both on the interior and along the edge, highlighting his ability to handle different responsibilities depending on down and distance. That flexibility has been a key asset in a defense that prioritizes gap integrity and physical control at the line of scrimmage.

Physically, Tanuvasa brings an NFL-ready frame. With good height, length, and natural strength, he holds up well against offensive linemen in both run and pass situations. Against the run, he excels at playing with leverage, stacking blockers, and maintaining his gap responsibility. He shows strong hands at the point of attack and does a good job shedding blocks, making him a dependable early-down defender.

As a pass rusher, Tanuvasa’s game is built more on power and effort than pure explosiveness. He uses a strong bull rush to collapse pockets and force quarterbacks off their spot, particularly when aligned inside. While his sack totals may not always lead the box score, his pressures and ability to disrupt timing are evident on film. He flashes developing hand counters, and continued refinement in that area could significantly raise his ceiling at the next level.

One of Tanuvasa’s most appealing traits is his motor. He plays with consistent effort, chasing plays down the line of scrimmage and finishing through the whistle. Coaches trust him in high-leverage situations because of his discipline and reliability, traits that often translate well to NFL rotations. His football intelligence shows up in his awareness against screens, misdirection, and quarterback movement.

Strengths

Run Defense Reliability

Strong at the point of attack, consistently maintains gap discipline and controls blockers.

Positional Versatility

Experience playing both interior defensive line and edge roles enhances scheme fit.

Power-Based Pass Rush

Effective bull rush allows him to collapse pockets and create interior pressure.

Motor and Effort

High-energy defender who pursues plays with urgency and toughness.

NFL Frame

Good size and length provide a solid foundation for further development.

Weaknesses

First-Step Explosiveness

Lacks elite burst off the snap compared to top-tier pass rushers.

Pass-Rush Counters

Needs continued development of secondary moves to finish more consistently.

Lateral Agility

Can be challenged by quicker blockers in space.

Finishing Production

Pressures do not always convert into sacks or tackles for loss.

Conclusion

Keanu Tanuvasa projects as a high-floor defensive line prospect whose value lies in physicality, versatility, and reliability. His ability to contribute across multiple alignments, defend the run, and generate pocket disruption makes him an appealing option for NFL teams seeking depth with developmental upside.

Draft Nation currently views Tanuvasa as a Day 3 prospect. In the right defensive system, Tanuvasa has the tools to carve out an early rotational role and develop into a dependable NFL starter along the defensive front.