After just 15 minutes of meeting at the NFL Combine, Dennis Allen, the coach of the New Orleans Saints, saw everything he needed in Taliese Fuaga. There was no need for additional visits. On Thursday night, New Orleans selected the Oregon State offensive tackle with the 14th overall pick.
Recalling that combined meeting, Allen stated of Fuaga, “I think I just fell in love with the personality.” “This player didn’t seem to be trying to sell me anything when he was sitting in front of me,” I sensed a real person. I simply had the impression that he was a guy’s guy, a dude’s dude, or whatever you want to call it. And I find that appealing.I felt that it was a really good fit after I took it, put on the tape, and watched him play with the physicality that he plays with.
When playing, the 6-foot-5½, 324-pound lineman is renowned for possessing a “mean streak,” particularly when run-blocking. Regarded as maybe the greatest run-blocking tackle in this draft class, he didn’t allow any sacks in his 25 starts at right tackle for the Beavers.
During Thursday’s draft coverage, ESPN’s Louis Riddick pointed out that JC Latham might be the only offensive lineman with greater strength than Fuaga. The Tennessee Titans selected Latham with the sixth overall pick.
The intensity and fury with which Fuaga plays the game definitely drew Allen’s attention, the player stated. And I found it impressive that he could accomplish that at such a high level of competition. This player is aware that he will be selected in the top 15 or top 20 (draft picks). And he attends and participates in the senior Bowl competition. That is not frequently the case. However, that indicates to me about the guy and his determination to play in any situation. I thought that was impressive.
Fuaga not only participated in the Senior Bowl, but also won. He was undoubtedly among the top players there, even surpassing the highly regarded players like Laiatu Latu. The Indianapolis Colts selected the former UCLA edge rusher, who is regarded as the best pure pass-rusher in this selection, one spot after Fuaga.
