Philadelphia Eagles: Don’t forget about Jordan Mailata
Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles shouldn’t forget about Jordan Mailata
For the last few seasons, the offensive line was seen as a major strength for the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, with future Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Jason Peters moving on (for now) and all world guard Brandon Brooks tearing his second Achilles, all of a sudden the notion is the Eagles need to address the line.
As far as guards go, while the Eagles being linked to New England Patriots Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney is certainly an enticing option, it isn’t a cheap one. With Isaac Seumalo improving every year and Matt Pryor looking decent in a reserve role, it may not be time to hit the panic button.
At tackle, last seasons first-round pick Andre Dillard is expected to take over for Peters after essentially redshirting his rookie season save for sporadic appearances. Dillard learned from Peters and the other veterans, and the Eagles are counting on him to help the offense move forward. For insurance, the Eagles also drafted both starting Auburn tackles in Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho.
Philadelphia Eagles fans may have forgotten about Jordan Mailata but need to remember
Tackle Jordan Mailata was a product of the International Player Pathway Program and was drafted in the seventh round in the 2017 draft after playing rugby in the National Rugby League in his native home of Australia.
A preseason fan favorite and vastly improving, Mailata turned the heads of everyone this past preseason from fans to coaches with impressive performances.
.@Eagles @jordan_mailata with a clinic tape on how to shut down the “End/Tackle Twist”. Violent hands, and great feet are required. ++for Mailata. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/j0GIZlUkRD
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 16, 2019
.@Eagles #JordanMailata has improved more than ANY football player I have ever watched in 4 months . He has everything it takes to be a dominant player, except experience. Amazing transformation. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/gurmylW6jB
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 24, 2018
.@Eagles #JordanMailata is a bonafide 5 Star prospect with a growing toolbox of fundamentals that keep showing up. Consistency is the name of the game and it was a very consistent performance over his 61 snaps. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/UsfCXSvyOs
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 3, 2018
Now obviously that was preseason, and Mailata still needs to cut his teeth with legitimate NFL competition, but it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at, especially when one considers he was playing both left and right tackle. At 6 feet 8 inches and 346 pounds, Mailata is certainly a unit, and it’s all the more impressive by his natural athleticism.
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After spending 2019 on the injured reserve, it will be interesting to see if Mailata finds his way on the roster again since the Eagles recently drafted the aforementioned two Auburn offensive linemen.
As previously noted, one advantage he does have was learning left tackle under Jason Peters, as well as right tackle under Lane Johnson, all under the watchful eye of fantastic offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Mailata can maybe take over for the role Halapoulivaati Vaitai once had, being able to fill in at both tackle spots if need be.
While Mailata once again making the roster is up in the air, as is a lot with the 2020 NFL season in general, it’s important for the Philly faithful not to forget about him when it comes to the state of the Eagles offensive line.