Taliese Fuaga – Offensive tackle – 22 years old – Junior –Washington State
Height: 1.98m
Weight: 151kg
Estimated draft position: 10-15
NFL Comparison: Ryan Ramczyk
Washington State's surprisingly good season has highlighted several prospects including Taliese Fuaga. The powerful right tackle has established himself as a national reference, notably with a selection as an All American in 2023, and his name has logically risen on the boards. In a solid and homogenous class, seeing him on the outskirts of the top 10 is anything but impossible.
Strong points
- Physical package
- Aggressiveness
- Hands
From a physical point of view, Fuaga is a dream for a player of his position. Devilishly powerful, hyper explosive, the player uses all of his physical gifts on each snap to go into battle against his opponents. A fight that he engages without restraint. Thanks to his athletic qualities, he starts quickly on the faceoff thanks to his first step and moves quickly to the second curtain in the event of a race.
But the Beavers player does not rely on his physique alone to shine. He uses it with terrible aggression, in the good sense of the word. This type of essential player on the line. His presence at the point of attack is enhanced by excellent hands. He uses them wisely to keep opposing rushers in check.
Weak points
- Block technique
- Indiscipline
- Adversity
Despite his athletic qualities and his good quality of movement, Fuaga has room for improvement in his contribution on the blocks. Impatient, imprecise, he sometimes misses his block due to poor timing. The good news is that a self-respecting NFL staff must be able to work on this aspect and help them progress quickly. Limits which, coupled with his aggressiveness, sometimes give rise to serious debunking. An arm that drags, a hand that holds back, he could quickly be showered with yellow handkerchiefs if he doesn't channel himself better.
In Pac12 even before the 2024 exodus, adversity was a notch below what we find in SEC or BIG10. The opponents are less impactful and less physically impressive, for the vast majority. The transition to the NFL could therefore cost a few reminders for a player not necessarily used to rubbing shoulders with the elite.
Possible destinations
Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints
Positioned on the right, Fuaga does not benefit from the same rating as left-handers. However, his potential and his natural qualities make him an extraordinary player who could quickly become a reference on his side of the line. His contribution in a running situation and his protection skills make him an intriguing prospect who will certainly have attracted some front offices during the draft process. Seeing him beyond the Top 15 would be a real surprise.
Herbert, Carr, Rodgers, there is no shortage of quarterbacks in need of security on their right. Even if the latter seems to have a solution for 2024, planning the future would not be inappropriate. He should not go further than the Saints pick, where uncertainty over Ramczyk's physical state could accelerate his succession.
