Draft Profile Series: Xavier Su’a-Filo
- Updated: May 5, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, 6-4, 307, UCLA
Key stats: Started every game over three seasons.
Strengths: Powerful run blocker with good quickness to get to second level. … Does nice job helping center or tackle out while still being able to get out and drive linebackers out of play. … Takes pretty good angles while stalk blocking. … Plays with good leverage in run game and packs a good initial punch and drive. … Has enough quickness and agility to pull and effectively get out on screens. … Has good versatility. … Played left tackle as well as left guard – sometimes in the same game – for the Bruins. … Was very durable and has been a model citizen who took two years off while on a Mormon mission.
Weaknesses: Not a great pass protector. … Needs work on footwork and overall technique. … Tends to overextend and leave arms out instead of punching and bringing hands back into body. … Gets caught lunging and needs to work on reading and picking up stunts. … Lateral quickness is average. … Too easily beat to the inside.
Conclusion: Although Su’a-Filo played both tackle and guard for the Bruins, his ideal spot in the NFL is at guard. … He is a solid player with all the intangibles you look for in an NFL offensive lineman. … He’s tough, durable, smart and has versatility to play several positions. … Should be able to help immediately – either as a starter or top backup. … If he improves his technique and becomes a better pass blocker, Su’a-Filo has the potential to become a top-level player.
NFL comparison: Kevin Zeitler/Logan Mankins.
Draft projection: Late first or second round.
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