Australia’s Daniel Faalele may only be weeks into his NFL career, but is already making a big impression at the Baltimore Ravens.
The 22-year-old Melbourne native was selected with a fourth-round pick in last month’s draft, and is expected to gain minutes as a rookie, with his coaches impressed by the 174kg star.
“The guy is big. He can move,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He has good feet. I was just watching the tape just now. He’s moving his feet really well, and yet, he has so much to learn.
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“He has to go to work every day to get better, but I anticipate him playing football for us this year.”
Faalele’s imposing size and skill has seen him earn comparisons to former Ravens star Orlando Brown Jr, a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
“That’s the natural comparison, right? They’re both huge, big men,” Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz said.
“You definitely think about Orlando. Orlando is probably a little bit more… well, he played left tackle, No.1, but probably a little bit more physical as a run blocker coming out, where Faalele was probably a little more polished and consistent in pass pro (protection), in terms of playing patient.
“Orlando would get a little aggressive coming out, as you guys remember. But yes, that’s the natural comparison between the two men.”
It is a comparison that Faalele sees himself as well.
“I feel like just with the size comparison,” he said.
“One day, I’d like to play like him. His football intelligence is really good, and he uses his strengths to his advantage. I feel like coach ‘D’ (Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris) has helped him develop those things, and I feel like I’m in good hands.”