NFL Draft week has arrived for over a dozen hopefuls with Hawaii ties. The 2024 class of prospects has a chance to be one of the deepest yet in recent memory.
The 2024 NFL Draft begins at 2 p.m. HST on Thursday with the first round. Day 2, which consists of rounds 2-3, begins on Friday at 1 p.m. HST. The Draft concludes on Day 3 with rounds 4-7 at 6 a.m. HST.
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Although he didn’t attend high school in Hawaii, BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia has strong North Shore roots as part of the Ah You family tree. Suamataia is currently projected to go either late in the first round or in the second round.
Saint Louis alumnus and Maui native Roman Wilson, fresh off a national championship, has solidified himself as a Day 2 selection. Wilson, a receiver, ran a 4.37 40-yard dash as a high schooler and continued to show his speed and agility during his time with the Wolverines.
Former Mililani and University of Hawaii linebacker Darius Muasau, who finished his collegiate career at UCLA, is projected to get selected on Day 3. So, too, is former Punahou and Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau.
After spurning the 2021 NFL Draft, where he was a surefire Day 2 pick, Pearl City’s Zion-Tupuola-Fetui tore his achilles that same spring. After working his way back from the injury, Tupuola-Fetui played in a total of 28 games in 2022 and 2023, and is currently projected as a Day 3 pick. His teammate, former Cover2 Marcus Mariota Hawaii Player of the Year Faatui Tuitele, medically retired from football following UW’s national championship game loss to Michigan.
Another former Mariota award winner, San Jose quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, formerly of Saint Louis and the University of Hawaii, currently projects as a late-round pick or priority free agent. The same can be said about former Kapolei quarterback and Maryland record holder Taulia Tagovailoa, and the consensus among scouts and draft experts favors him slightly above Cordeiro.
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Washington State slot receiver Lincoln Victor, a Maui native who began his collegiate career under former Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich, is another contender to get picked late or sign as a free agent.
Other former Rolovich recruits who began their Division I careers at UH but ended elsewhere who could sign as undrafted free agents include Florida A&M quarterback Jeremy Moussa, Auburn wide receiver Nick Mardner, Oklahoma defensive tackle Jonah Laulu and East Central University receiver Dior Scott.
As for players who finished their careers at UH, defensive lineman Jonah Kahahawai-Welch has received the most interest from pro scouts among players who graduated, while cornerback Cam Stone, who will be a senior in 2024, was viewed as the team’s best pro prospect overall regardless of class in 2023.
Kamehameha alumnus and three-year UCF starting guard Lokahi Pauole and former ‘Iolani student Jacob Isaia, who went on to play for Bishop Gorman, Michigan State and Fresno State, are both interior lineman who also could get a shot at a training camp.
Former Hawaii commit Chigozie Anusium, who signed with Colorado State following the resignation of Todd Graham, is a fringe pick and will sign as an undrafted free agent if not selected.
Clemson interior offensive lineman Will Putnam is also a potential pick. Putnam, who graduated high school in Florida, spent part of his childhood playing for the Ewa Beach Sabers.
Following his departure from Arizona, former Saint Louis quarterback Jayden de Laura announced he was transferring to Texas State before withdrawing in order to begin his professional career.
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Bonus: Jaden Hicks, a star safety at Washington State and likely Day 2 pick, is the brother of former Hawaii safety Kalen Hicks.
After a five-year career at UTSA, receiver Joshua Cephus could also receive a pro opportunity. He is the brother of former Hawaii receiver Aaron Cephus.
Former Arizona defensive lineman Tyler Manoa, another potential free agent signing, is the brother of former Hawaii defensive end David Manoa.