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PFF analyst says one Minnesota OL has chance to be biggest draft riser
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Minnesota might be entering the college football season with one of the nation’s most underrated offensive line units. The Golden Gophers have great size and experience along the front lines, which should help its explosiveness on that side of the football.
One of the big reasons (quite literally) is the return of Daniel Faalele. The 6-foot-9, 400-pound offensive lineman is an anchor along Minnesota’s offensive line and will be one of the top returning players at the position in the B1G.
Faalele missed last season but is back and ready to lead a strong offensive line in 2021. Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus (PFF) says he’s really excited to see the Minnesota lineman back in action this fall.
“The player I’m most excited to see in the 2021 college football season, could be one of the biggest risers up the PFF draft board, not in the Top 50 currently, is Minnesota offensive tackle Daniel Faalele,” Renner said. “Truly rare size…he is a rare human being.
“Coming back this year in the 360-370 range, special movement skills. Has only been playing football for like four years. …If he adds a little nastiness to his game, this guy could make his way into the Top 5, Top 10 in the draft with a big year in 2021.”
6'9" 400lbs the last time we saw him play football…
@PFF_Mike: Daniel Faalele's NFL comp is The Mountain from GoT 😂
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 18, 2021
Faalele arrived at Minnesota in 2018 and played in 10 games, making eight starts as a true freshman. During the Gophers’ 11-2 campaign, Faalele started in 11 games for the Gophers.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB