Analysis of Draft Picks & Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

Taliese Fuaga- OT, 1st Round Pick#14 Oregon St. (6'6"/324#) 40 Time- 5.13 Vertical- 32" Broad Jump- 111#

Watched a lot of games and highlights of Fuaga and also read quite a few articles about him. There's just not many flaws in his game.

The Positives:
Fuaga's ability to control the line of scrimmage in the run game is exceptional. He leverages his size and strength to overpower defenders. Fuaga's physical stature is ideal, robust and a durable foundation for his blocking abilities. He has heavy hands, his impact with his hand punch stuns defenders, effectively disrupting their momentum and control during engagements. Fuaga is also known for his aggressive playstyle and his forceful and dominant approach. He was consistently looking to overpower his opponents at the line of scrimmage. In pass protection Fuaga showed he has good technique and lateral movement.

The Negatives:
Fuaga's arm length is just shy of elite. his arm length while substantial, isn't quite at the top tier and sometimes it affects his reach and effectiveness in the run game. On passing downs, Fuaga has at times stood too upright and that at times can make him vulnerable to powerful bull rushes from defenders. He occasionally struggles with his footwork from what I saw in some of the games I watched of him. His playstyle, while it's generally an asset, at times leads to him overextending and mistiming blocks in the run game.

My Final Thoughts:
From what I've watched of Fuaga's games and highlights, his skills in the run game really stood out and were amazing. He uses his strength and mass to bulldoze defenders, setting a physical tone on the O-Line. His heavy-handed approach on the O-Line underlines his ability to disrupt and control the line, a key asset for the Saints new run heavy offense. In pass protection, in pass protection, Fuaga shows foundational skills--balance lateral movement and hand placement.
Some articles I've read about Fuaga, the analysists commented on his limited hip flexibility. Well from all the game tape and highlights I've watched, if he does have flexibility issues, they are barely noticeable. I read another article on his time at Oregon St., that he was just a 3-star recruit, but only got better each year until he became one of the best O-Linemen in the nation. I also read he holds the school record for not allowing 0 sacks while he was at Oregon St. I believe that whatever inconsistencies he does have can and will be corrected with good coaching. I also believe this, Fuaga is not just a player with the necessary physical tools, but a player with the dedication and football IQ to realize and harness all of his potential and he will only get better. Fuaga has that blend of size, strength, skill and developmental upside that could make him a cornerstone of the Saints O-Line for years to come.