Aussie behemoth Daniel Faalele wasn’t expected to start many NFL games this season after being picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in April’s draft, but the rookie is coming on ‘in leaps and bounds’ according to one coach.
The 203cm, 174kg offensive lineman, who hails from Melbourne, is the biggest player in the NFL – but that isn’t slowing down his development whatsover.
Faalele, who is still just 22, has only been playing since 2017 after moving to the US from Australia.
It means he understandably raw when it comes to the finer points of blocking, but Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman could not be more impressed by the former University of Minnesota standout’s progress.
Daniel Faalele, who was born and bred in Melbourne, was recruited to Baltimore from the University of Minnesota
Daniel Faalele (right) blocks Rashad Weaver in the Ravens’ preseason victory last week
‘I’m really happy with him. I think he took a step by staying here after our offseason program and working with our strength and conditioning staff and whatnot here,’ Roman said after a recent training session.
‘I really think that allowed him to come into training camp in much better shape, and ready to compete.’
Instead of going home to put his feet up and have a festive beverage or two for six weeks between the mandatory minicamp and training, Faalele knuckled down and stayed at the Ravens facility.
Daniel Faalele said he gained a lot of confidence from his first-ever NFL game
It helped him get much fitter for training camp, and he passed the conditioning test with flying colours, despite his enormous frame.
Roman said the decision of Faalele to stay and do extra training and preparation showed a willingness to compete immediately – one of the attributes any Aussie athlete would be the most proud of.
‘An arrow up for him,’ said Roman of his appeal to the coaching staff.
Daniel Faalele, pictured in March, often brandishes a huge smile on his face while facing the media
In an interview after a practice session on Monday, the Aussie convert, who played basketball and rugby in his teens, said the offensive line veterans at the Ravens were also crucial to his development.
‘Yes, ‘Zeit’ (Kevin Zeitler) and Morgan (Moses) have been huge helps as veterans, and Ja’Wuan James, as well. And, Ronnie (Stanley) too,’ he said of the Ravens strong offensive line, that is tasked with protecting one of fooball’s most exciting quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson.
‘Just all of the older tackles are helping me get comfortable with the playbook and the environment. Just learning from them on how to prepare and practice, and just be a pro, really.’
Daniel Faalele prepares to block in Baltimore’s preseason win over Tennessee – his first NFL game
Last week, Faalele took to the field as an NFL player for the first time, playing 63 snaps in the Ravens 23-10 preseason win over the Titans.
The fact he played so many snaps – the second most of the team – points to how highly he is already regarded by the coaching staff.
One particular highlight (seen below, Faalele is wearing number 77) showed Faalele easily blocking his opponent on the right side of the line, which helped running back Mike Davis go through for a four-yard touchdown.
Speaking after a session at training camp, Faalele said his first NFL hitout, albeit in preseason, gave him confidence that the extra work is paying off.
‘I was able to get more comfortable with the game and how it flows,’ said the softly-spoken Aussie.
Obviously, it is all amazing praise – but at his remarkable size, many offensive lineman would struggle with next step up in pace and agility from college football to the NFL.
Daniel Faalele and long-time girlfriend Brianna Montgomery after the Aussie learned he was drafted by the Ravens
Roman isn’t worried about his size – he’s the heaviest player in the league, and second biggest of all-time – and it’s good news for Aussie supporters of Faalele, and Ravens fans.
‘Daniel, he’s not stiff at all. He’s very flexible; he bends well. He can play with a flat back for a guy his size, which is fairly remarkable. He has excellent feet,’ said Roman.
‘He has to continue to work and learn how to play this game at this level.’
The Ravens will continue their preseason campaign on August 22 (AEST) against the Cardinals, and Aussie fans will be cheering him on every single snap he is given.
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