(2022) Daniel Faalele - Offensive Tackle - Minnesota

 6’8

387

Senior

Write-Up:

Daniel Faalele is a mammoth of a tackle prospect coming out of Minnesota. Standing at 6’8, 387, the senior displays a surprising amount of fluidness and technical skill despite his size and relative newness to the positions (he mainly played rugby and some basketball before switching to football coming into college). Faalele is a solid run and pass blocker and excels on shutting down one rusher, cutting him out of the play entirely. Most of the time, when Faalele gets his hands on a defender they have little to no chance of staying in the play. Again despite his size, he displays a good, fluid jump off the line in his blocks and can catch rushers off guard who think he will be a lot slower than he actually is. When he does get beat on outside rushes, his insane length and reach helps him keep with speedy rushers and force them wide more often than not. In the run game, Faalele excels at utilizing his body to create holes and space for runners by putting it in very tough positions for defenders to get by quickly. He is willing and able to work down the field on blocks, though his lack of sustained speed can leave him behind at times.

Faalele did struggle sometimes with bendy rushers who were able to use his leverage against him to the inside. If the defender could get him to jump outside and then cut back inside, he struggled to recover and could allow pressure. There are concerns with his pass protection, as he does sometimes lose his feet, something not uncommon with larger lineman.

Overall, Faalele has the potential to be an elite tackle at the NFL level, though it will take some development to get there. He does need some refinement in his game, especially in his footwork and ability to counter inside rushes. However, he is a solid pass blocker and great run blocker who has the ability to shut down opposing rushers entirely from any given play. His size and reach advantage make him a difficult lineman to prepare against. He moves like a much smaller tackle than he actually is, and that will take many rushers by surprise.

Breakdowns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU4Q33eiUxg

(Seahawks Scouting)

2021-

Vs Maryland (4-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epL8l37YW2E 

• Very sticky on single blocks, once he locks on to you it's game over most of the time

• Willing to work down the field, though he lacks the speed/agility to get there in time.

• Not very explosive, though has decent jump ability from his starting spot.

• Insane length, able to keep with people even though they may beat him outside.

• Can get beat inside with disguised rushes, or a bendy enough rusher.

• Run-First Minnesota offense, where he was a good run blocker.

Vs #4 Ohio State (0-0)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KOeRIXhNDg

• Does get taken out for longer passing downs at times

• Can get beat to the inside, especially with shifty rushers

• Takes quick, small steps off the jump rather than big long strides

Overall Grade: B

Projected Draft: Round 2- Early Round 3