Latest news with #InternationalPlayerPathwayProgram
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jordan Mailata Ranked NFL's Best Tackle as Eagles' Dominance Reaches New Peak
Jordan Mailata Ranked NFL's Best Tackle as Eagles' Dominance Reaches New Peak originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have built their championship foundation from the trenches, and their dominance was showcased when left tackle Jordan Mailata was recognized as the NFL's premier offensive lineman heading into 2025 according to Pro Football Focus rankings. Advertisement PFF's evaluation of the league's top 32 offensive tackles for the 2025 season placed Mailata at No. 1, surpassing San Francisco's Trent Williams. The former Australian rugby star's ascension represents validation of Philadelphia's development system and the exceptional coaching of Jeff Stoutland, who transformed Mailata into one of his most important success stories. Mailata's journey from the rugby pitches of Bankstown, Sydney, to the NFL's summit remains remarkable. Born in Australia, he played rugby league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs before pursuing NFL dreams through the International Player Pathway Program. His 6-foot-8, 365-pound frame caught the Eagles' attention, but Stoutland's masterful development turned potential into elite production. Under Stoutland's wing, Mailata became the most complete offensive tackle in football. As PFF analyst Zoltan Buday noted, "Only two offensive tackles earned PFF pass-blocking grades above 90.0, and only two earned PFF run-blocking grades above 90.0. Philadelphia's left tackle was the only one to achieve both feats." His 95.2 overall PFF grade led all offensive tackles. Mailata's excellence pairs with teammate Lane Johnson (No. 5 ranking) to give Philadelphia the NFL's best tackle tandem. This duo anchored the line that enabled Saquon Barkley's historic 2,500-yard rushing season (regular season and postseason), showcasing how Stoutland's systematic approach creates cohesive units that maximize collective performance. Advertisement At 28, Mailata earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Despite his PFF dominance, he was surprisingly omitted from the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections, suggesting 2025 could bring overdue recognition. In a league where pass rush continues evolving, having elite protection on both edges becomes increasingly valuable. Jordan Mailata's recognition validates his remarkable journey from Bankstown rugby fields to American football's pinnacle, serving as the crown jewel in Jeff Stoutland's impressive coaching legacy while anchoring Philadelphia's championship aspirations. Related: Eagles Sound Off On 'Crazy' Fans Expectations for Another Super Bowl Related: Eagles Ex First-Rounder Projected as 'X-Factor' in 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
3 Seahawks UDFAs who can make the roster: offense
3 Seahawks UDFAs who can make the roster: offense The Seattle Seahawks originally agreed to terms with 17 undrafted free agents following the 2025 NFL draft. Since then, general manager John Schneider actually waived two of them following unimpressive showings at rookie minicamp. Just five of the 17 UDFAs were on the offensive side of the ball. With a small sample size to consider, we've identified three who possess the best chance to compete for a roster spot. Amari Kight, OT, Central Florida Amari Kight is an interesting prospect. He originally committed to Alabama as a four-star recruit. After failing to earn consistent playing time, he entered the transfer portal and wound up at Central Florida. Kight impressed at the Hula Bowl, and has an opportunity to contend for a role as a reserve swing tackle. Federico Maranges*, IOL, Florida Atlantic Federico Maranges probably won't make the Seahawks' 53-man roster, but we're accepting a cop-out here. The Seahawks are bringing Maranges in as part of the league's International Player Pathway Program. That means he can join the practice squad without actually taking up a roster spot. Schneider will take advantage of that benefit to keep a developmental player around. Marshall Lang, TE, Northwestern Marshall Lang is undersized at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds. The Seahawks will attempt to utilize him in a hybrid h-back role. There's a lot of competition for spots, for Lang will attempt to compete for a spot on Klint Kubiak's new-look offense.
NBC Sports
09-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
QB Payton Thorne, 12 other undrafted players sign with Bengals
The Bengals signed four draft picks on Thursday and they added a bunch of undrafted rookies to the roster on Friday. Quarterback Payton Thorne was one of 13 signings announced by the team. Thorne spent three years at Michigan State and two seasons at Auburn before moving into the NFL. He was 199-of-317 for 2,713 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last season. The Bengals also signed Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin, Duke wide receiver Jordan Moore, Oklahoma State wide receiver Rashod Owens, West Virginia tight end Kole Taylor, Michigan long snapper William Wagner, Dickinson defensive tackle Dante Barnett, Arizona running back Quali Conley, Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross III, BYU tackle Caleb Etienne, Arkansas defensive tackle Eric Gregory, Texas Tech cornerback Bralyn Lux, and Cincinnati wide receiver Jamoi Mayes. Barnett is from England and will receive a roster exemption as part of the International Player Pathway Program.
NBC Sports
07-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Rams waive DT David Olajiga
The Rams trimmed their roster on Wednesday. The team announced that they have waived defensive tackle David Olajiga. There was no corresponding move. Olajiga signed with the Rams' practice squad last August and remained with the team on a future contract in January. Olajiga was born in England and became part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program after playing at Butler Community College and Central Missouri. He was also drafted by Edmonton in the 2024 CFL Draft. The Rams signed Poona Ford and drafted Ty Hamilton in the fifth round in other moves involving a defensive line that also includes Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Desjuan Johnson, and Larrell Murchison.
NBC Sports
30-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Raiders sign former rugby player Laki Tasi
The Raiders are the latest team to take a chance on converting a rugby player to the football field. The team announced the signing of Laki Tasi on Wednesday. Tasi is listed as a defensive lineman and the Australian will have an exception for the 90-man roster as part of the league's International Player Pathway Program. Tasi, who is 21 years old, is listed at 6-6 and 348 pounds. He played for the Ashgrove GPS Rugby Club of the Queensland Premier Rugby Union before deciding to try his hand at football. If all pans out, Tasi will develop into a useful player for the Raiders down the line. If they strike gold, his development arc will resemble the one that Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, another Aussie, has followed over the course of his career.
