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The 175kg Aussie freak ready to stun The US
NFL
Hulking Aussie  Daniel Faalele is shaping as an NFL draft prospect like no other.
The 22-year-old is following in the footsteps of fellow Aussie Jordan Mailata, also having travelled to the US on a journey into the unknown, learning the NFL’s rules on the fly.
But Faalele, who has been tipped as a second or third-round pick in the upcoming draft, has taken his own path towards the NFL.
Faalele was born and raised in Melbourne and grew up playing basketball and rugby. By the time he was 12 years old, Faalele was already 1.8m tall and weighed 100kg.
After being scouted in 2016 Faalele joined the IMG Academy in Florida, described as America’s premier prep football program, before going on to have a successful college career at Minnesota.
Standing 2.03m tall and weighing 175kg, Faalele has been widely tipped by NFL draft experts to either be taken in the second or third round, and is ranked 49th overall in a host of big boards.
Earlier this year Faalele became the heaviest player to attend an NFL draft combine since 2003, but while there he told reporters he believed he had the necessary athleticism.
Being a bigger body I have longer arms, so just using those intangibles to my advantage.
“
— Daniel Faalele
The offensive tackle is still relatively inexperienced, but plenty of NFL recruiters and commentators are excited by his raw potential.
While acknowledging Faalele still has much to learn, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler was one to sing his praises.
He has balanced footwork and movements for a player with his imposing size and strength, and if his technique and awareness continue to improve, he will start for a long time in the NFL.
“
— Dane Brugler
Words: Andrew JacksonProducer: Andrew Piva
																											

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