Isaiah Pola-Mao

Isaiah Pola-Mao Player Profile

Summary

Isaiah Pola‑Mao went undrafted in the 2022 Class out of University of Southern California (USC). With the Trojans, Pola‑Mao was a leader with good instincts. He finished his college career with 178 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, and served as a team captain his senior season. Over his NFL career (through 2025), he has played in 44+ games with 14 starts, accumulating 117 tackles, 3 sacks, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception. In 2024, Pola‑Mao broke out as a starter, notching 89 tackles, 1 sack, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He subsequently signed a two-year contract extension with Las Vegas worth up to $8.45 million, showing the team’s confidence in his growth. He’s also known for his toughness, versatility, and football lineage — he’s the nephew of Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.

Strengths

  • Instincts & Anticipation: Pola‑Mao displays very good feel for the game — particularly in the box — reading run/pass scenarios well. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Range / Athleticism: He has fluid hips, straight-line speed, and the ability to close on the ball; his frame gives him a wide catch radius. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Ball Skills: He can make plays on the ball — intercepting at USC, snatching throws off his frame, and batting down passes. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Tackling / Physicality: Willing and effective tackler; shows willingness to come down into the box and make hits.

  • Versatility: Comfortable in various safety roles (deep, box), which gives defensive coordinators flexibility.

  • Special Teams Contributor: Early in his career, he carved a role on special teams, demonstrating value beyond starting defense. CBS Sports

  • Character & Work Ethic: Well-regarded for his persistence (undrafted to starter), coachability, and high football IQ.

  • Football Heritage / Leadership: With his USC experience and family ties (Polamalu), he brings a strong football pedigree and leadership presence.

Weaknesses

  • Miss‑Tackle Risk: Some reports and fan analysis suggest occasional tackling lapses or missed angles, which can be a concern.

  • Coverage Tightness: While good in range and zone, he may struggle in tight man coverage or versus very physical receivers.

  • Elite Playmaking Consistency: Though he makes big plays, he isn’t yet among the most explosive or turnover‑generating safeties.

  • Long-Term Durability: As a safety who plays aggressively, there may be some concern over sustained high snap counts.

  • Experience Ceiling: Coming in undrafted, his pedigree isn’t from a high-draft pedigree, so some evaluators may question how high he can climb.

Fit & Outlook

Isaiah Pola‑Mao projects as a strong safety / versatile box safety for the Raiders — someone who can align in multiple spots (deep, box) and deliver physicality, run support, and occasional playmaking. His instincts and range make him well-suited for a defense that uses its safeties aggressively, deploying them in run fits, blitzes, and coverage responsibilities. Looking ahead, his outlook is very positive: after a strong 2024, the Raiders rewarded him with a contract extension, signaling belief in his long-term role. If he continues to refine his tackling consistency, improves in coverage, and stays healthy, he could develop into a full-time starter and a core piece of Las Vegas’ secondary. He has the ceiling to be more than just a role player — potentially an impactful safety who can contribute in all three phases (run, pass, and special teams).