The Seahawks went for depth and versatility when they picked Laumea. The 23-year-old is a huge man standing 6-4 and weighing 319 pounders. He started 43 of 44 games split between right guard (19) and right tackle (24). Laumea was a four-time All-Pac selection and earned first in 2022.
Whether he plays guard or tackle Laumea believes the goal is the same.
“Moving a person from point A to point B is the most fun. That’s what I mean by physicality. We’ve got to move grown men, and they’re not going to let us, so I feel like I don’t care, and I’m willing to do my job. I want to do my job,” said Laumea. “ I want to finish. I need to be better at being more consistent with that, but that’s what I want to show in Seattle. I would say I am pretty physical in that way, trying to move people off the ball, and trying to finish them.”
Being drafted by the Seahawks is a great opportunity to prove teams that did not draft him made a mistake.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s a great opportunity, I know a lot about their program. I met some great people from interviews and stuff. I know they just picked up a great O-line coach. It means a lot to me. It’s an opportunity to prove to everybody who didn’t draft me wrong, and prove you guys right. So, I’m excited.”
OUTLOOK
Barring injuries the Seahawks are set at the tackles positions with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas. Lucas had knee surgery sometime in Feb and the team expects him ready for training camp if not sooner. The guard position is less secure with Anthony Bradford and free agent pick up Lake Tomlison. Tomlison has started 138 games and played in 146 with the Lions, 49ers, and most recently the Jets where he played the last two years. He started every game for the Jets in 2022 and 2023. Laumea will no doubt be given a chance to play right away.
Strengths
- Intent to get his feet and hips in place to seal off back-side blocks.
- Uses independent hands to push the run defender out of the lane.
- Fluidity to move effectively from one block to the next in tight quarters.
- Upper-body power to collect and neutralize defenders into his edge.
- Good awareness to “deliver and catch” against twisting fronts.
- Adequate foot quickness in pass pro and has played both guard and tackle.
Weaknesses
- Gets beat inside too often due to over-setting in pass pro.
- Hands can become too wide and “huggy” when he throws them.
- Needs to latch into defenders rather than popping and disengaging.
- Has trouble keeping defenders with length from getting into his chest.
- Requires better muscle memory with hand placement in the run game.
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