Will Taliese Fuaga become Oregon State’s first NFL 1st-round draft pick as an offensive lineman?
Oregon State junior Taliese Fuaga is a mountain of a man, 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds. Fuaga ultimately could be at the top of a mountain metaphorically, as the school’s first offensive lineman chosen as an NFL first-round draft pick. Fuaga is beginning to emerge as a first-round pick in several NFL mock drafts.
OSU’s best-ever is Andy Levitre, who in 2009 went in the second round, No. 51 overall, to the Buffalo Bills. It’s enough to make a guy dream.
Yet for Fuaga, the current season is dreamy and real enough. Oregon State is ranked 11th in the country, and 6-1 heading into Saturday’s game at Arizona. “It’s kind of tough, because you’re always thinking about the future,” Fuaga said.
“I just set all things aside and figure out what’s ahead for today and live in the current. ” Fuaga is grateful to hear that his college progress is paying off. Fuaga isn’t surprised to hear some people believe he’s a first-round draft pick.
“I think anything’s possible,” Fuaga said. “I just pray every day and I think it is possible if I keep praying about it and keeping working on it. ” Fuaga is near the center of college football’s radar this season.
Fuaga was one of two Pac-12 players to land on the 2023 Associated Press midseason All-America first team. Pro Football Focus has Fuaga as its highest-graded offensive lineman this season. In 2022 as a first-year starter, Fuaga earned Pac-12 second-team honors.
“He’s a step above what he was doing last year. It’s consistency, and he’s playing with really good pad level,” OSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said. “The biggest jump for guys is mentally, the understanding of our scheme and how defenses are trying to attack him.
It allows him to anticipate things a little better. ” Fuaga has done a terrific job in pass protection, as he’s leading an OSU offensive line that has given up eight sacks this season, tied for No. 13 nationally.
But it’s another area where Fuaga believes he’s shown his greatest growth. “My run blocking has improved,” Fuaga said. “I really emphasized it over the offseason and I think it’s gotten better.
” .