Taliese Fuaga Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Karl Maasdam/Oregon State Athletics)

School: Oregon State

Class: Junior

Position: OT

HT: 6’6

WT: 334 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #10

Background: Taliese Fuaga was a 3-star offensive tackle out of Tacoma, Washington. He was a top 30 player in the state of Washington in the class of 2019, but only tabbed as the 145th ranked offensive tackle in the class. Fuaga played his high school football for Mount Tahoma, where he was a team captain. In both his junior and senior seasons of high school, Fuaga was named an All-League and All-Area selection. This included an All-League First Team selection as a senior. He played both sides of the ball and managed to register 5 sacks as a senior for Mount Tahoma. Taliese Fuaga committed to Oregon State over Oregon, Hawaii, and USC.

College: Fuaga redshirted his first year at Oregon State after only seeing action in 4 games. In 2021, he played in 10 games and made the Pac 12 Academic Honor Roll. 2022 was his real breakout season. He was All Pac 12 First Team and a PFF All-America Honorable Mention. He only continued his spectacular play into 2023, cementing himself as one of the best tackles in the draft. He was, once again, named to the All-Pac 12 First Team. Fuaga had an elite final season for the Beavers. He was selected as an All-Pac 12 First Team member while also being named an All-American.

Strengths: The captain for Oregon State was the heart and soul of that offense. He is a huge player who is long enough to play both tackle positions. He is strong enough, and instinctive enough, to take on the blindside, but he has no problem transitioning between the positions. Most of his matchups are won on initial contact. He has such a strong punch and it sets the tone for the entire play. As a pass protector, Fuaga can be seen taking on more than his initial matchup. If he quickly finishes his assignment, he transitions to helping his teammates. Fuaga can also get into the open field in the run game. Fuaga moves well for his size and is a mauler. Once he moves into the 2nd level of the defense, he can create a gaping hole for his ball carrier to make a play.

Weaknesses: In pass protection, Fuaga can be seen playing with a level of stiffness that results in him losing a step. He plays at too high of a pad level on occasion. While he is a good mover in the run game, the opposite can be said about Fuaga when pass protecting. He has sloppy footwork that can cause hm to get crossed up or stumble when taking on twitchy edge rushers or stunts from the interior.

Conclusion: Taliese Fuaga has solidified himself as a top player at his position. He can play both guard spots and can most likely play guard in a jam. He will be an impact starter in the NFL, with potential to be an All-Pro caliber player. In an offense that prioritizes the run game, he will be extremely valuable as he can be the leading catalyst, no matter who the ball carrier is.

Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Left Tackle

Best Team Fits: TEN, DEN, IND

Player Comparison: Christian Darrisaw

Player Grade: 90.2