Eagles Take OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai In Fifth

With their second fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected TCU offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (6-6, 320).

Here’s what CBS Sports has to say about the newest Eagle:

STRENGTHS: Certainly looks the part of an NFL offensive lineman with an imposing frame, including broad shoulders and well distributed weight. Good initial quickness off the snap, showing some agility and awareness when blocking on the move. Controlled in pass protection, with reasonable length and physicality to latch on and control rushers.

WEAKNESSES: Possesses just average athleticism, overall, struggling with speed rushers and almost surely requiring a move inside to guard at the next level – a position he never played at TCU. Isn’t as powerful as his frame suggests, too often losing the battle of leverage due to his poor pad level.

IN OUR VIEW: While all of his experience may lay outside at tackle for TCU, Vaitai may project best inside at guard in the NFL as he lacks the foot speed to handle edge rushers at the next level. He plays with the knee bend and upper body strength to handle this transition, however.