Isaac Sopoaga
DT, Hawaii · 2004 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #104 (SFO)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, availability. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #57 overall (#8 at his position), but he lasted until pick #104: teams let him slide 47 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 139 of ~160 possible regular-season games from 2004 through 2013 (~87%). Last NFL season: 2013.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Hawaii: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.97 40-yard dash at 317 lbs: faster than 39% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 139 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 38 |
| Receiving | 1 rec, 18 yds, undefined TD |
| Defense | 158 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2013 |
The 2004 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2004 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 317 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.97 s |
| Bench press | 42 reps |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 99" |
| 3-cone | 7.79 s |
| Shuttle | 4.66 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #57 overall (#8 DT) |
Picked around him 2004 redraft
| 101 | Demorrio Williams | redraft #51 |
| 102 | Will Poole | redraft #181 |
| 103 | Bo Schobel | redraft #161 |
| 105 | Samie Parker | redraft #100 |
| 106 | Luke McCown | redraft #124 |
| 107 | Kendyll Pope | redraft #218 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.