JetNation Prospect Profile: Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga

A recent story from Rich Cimini of ESPN New York connected the Jets to Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga where the team is reportedly very interested.  Joe Douglas’ need to add talent on the offensive line and Fuaga would be a good place to start.  In fact, NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah mocked Fuaga to the Jets in his first mock of the year.

Apple of his eye? #Jets GM Joe Douglas has an affinity for Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga, according to buzz in scouting circles. Has been eyeing him for months, I’m told. Fuaga is attending the Senior Bowl this week.

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 30, 2024

With that, we kick off the 2024 JetNation.com player prospect profiles with Taliese Fuaga.

Height: 6057

Weight: 332

Hand Size: 10 2/8

Arm Size: 33 3/8

Wingspan: 81 4/8

Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.

High School: Mount Tahoma

Class: Junior

Recruit: Three star prospect per Rivals and 247 sports.

Film Study

Games Watched: Washington State, Oregon, Utah, Senior Bowl Practice Sessions

• Balance: Fuaga shows impressive balance for a big man and rarely finds himself on the ground or over-extended.  This was consistently on display in Mobile as well.
• Pass Protection:  Not quite as adept here as he is as a run blocker but plenty good enough to be viewed as one of the top tackles in this class.  Shows good bend but not enough to see a move to the left side which is a question many seem to be asking.
• Run Blocking: A monster in the run game, Fuaga fires off the ball and manages to take out defenders at both the first and second level.  A tone setter in the run game, this is where he’ll pay immediate dividends.

If the @nyjets end up trading down in the first round, they should make sure they don’t drop too far to lose out on a shot at @beaverfootball OT Taliese Fuaga. Nasty tone setter in the trenches. pic.twitter.com/NigKDnaAwx

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) December 8, 2023

• Lateral Mobility/Athleticism: More athletic than one would expect for a 320+ pound lineman, Fuaga moves smoothly in pass pro and at times makes it look easy.  Almost reminiscent of Jets lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker who was so dominant in college that it looked like he was toying with his opponents.
• Point of Attack Power: Combination of strength/power and effort are a big part of what makes Fuaga special.  He’s going to be fun to watch at the combine in Indy.
• Hands: More often that not it’s going to be “game over” for defenders who let Fuaga get his hands on them.  Shows the ability to move bodies at the line of scrimmage once his grip is established.

Both Oregon State offensive tackles are legit NFL Draft prospects.

Here’s a look at what defines #75 RT Taliese Fuaga: raw power. When he gets hands on you, it doesn’t end well for the defender. pic.twitter.com/N9VwHulyVu

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 20, 2023

• Anchor: Rarely beaten or even remotely overmatched against bull/power rushers and can drop anchor when needed.
• Strength: Plenty strong enough upper body and hands to redirect or get defenders off balance at first contact.  Strong as a ox in his lower half, allowing him to drive defenders out of the play.
• Size: Fuaga’s ability to do much of the above is only made that much more impressive given is 6′ 6” 334lb frame.
• Versatility: Fuaga has played exclusively at right tackle but could likely move inside to guard if asked.  A transition to left tackle is unlikely.

Summary:

Fuaga is a player who saw his draft stock rise throughout the course of the college football season and has been mentioned as a possible top 10 pick in the 2024 draft.  In fact, several pundits are currently mocking Fuaga to Gang Green at pick 10.  The folks at the Draft Network also listed the Jets as one of 3 ideal fits for Fuaga.

As one would expect from the tenth overall pick, Fuaga would be a day 1 starter and offer an immediate upgrade at a position of need.

Should a player of Taliese Fuaga’s status come aboard with a (hopefully) healthy Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann, the Jets would have a very good trio up front to build around.

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