A focus for this Draft was going to be offensive line and the Eagles are addressing that head-on.
Their second fifth-round pick at 164th overall was used to select TCU offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
Get to know the newest Eagles lineman with a scouting report.
The first thing you notice about Vaitai is his size — a whopping 6’6”, 320 pounds. His size helps and he’s got solid technique for a player of his size, but this is more of a depth pick.
If Isaac Seumalo, the Eagles third-round pick, can compete for a starting job, Vaitai needs much more seasoning and development before he’s thrown into an NFL game.
His hand strength is a weakness and he can lose defenders during a block. His foot quickness and movement lacks which can allow corner rushers to get around him to attack the quarterback. There are times where he looks a little flat-footed and doesn’t have the recovery speed to prevent sacks or pressure on the quarterback once he’s beat.
That said, as the Eagles are trying to do at the quarterback position, take the mindset and the smarts now, develop the physical skills later.
Vaitai has plenty of smarts and proved to be a serviceable start at TCU. But despite his size, his physical qualities aren’t quite up to par and that leads some to question his ability to make the leap to the NFL.
He is versatile, playing both right and left tackle during his senior season,
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
