2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Cade Uluave, LB, BYU

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.

Advertisement

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Film

Background Info

• 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports

• Played linebacker and running back in high school

• Was an All-State selection in high school

• Played baseball and track and field in high school

• Father played linebacker at Southern Utah

• Cousin of former Cal offensive lineman Semisi Uluave

• Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023

• First-Team All-ACC in 2025

• Transferred from California to BYU

Notable career stats heading into 2026

• 27.5 combined tackles for a loss and sacks

Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026

• 50.1 Career PFF Run Defense Grade

• 54.5 Career PFF Coverage Grade

• Missed tackle rate of 19.4%

Strengths

• Fluid hips and footwork to showcase his movement skills

• Decent pass coverage ability

• Good instincts for the position

Player Summary

Cade Uluave is a fun linebacker prospect because he plays the position with a chip on his shoulder. He is a physical player who is a tad undersized but plays with that edge to let the offense realize that, despite his size, he can patrol the middle of the field. I was impressed by his closing speed on ball carriers, as well as his movement ability in general. His instincts carry him to being in positions to make plays on the ball, and he is a very fun linebacker prospect to watch in 2026.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting on BYU LB Cade Uluave