2014 NFL Draft Profile: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG UCLA

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Xavier Su

Scouts seem confused by the prospect of Xavier Su’a-Filo.  They watched him play left tackle at UCLA last year and although he still played well, he is a much better fit for guard at the NFL level.  He was only playing tackle because injuries to teammates forced him to play a position that natural to him.

Some folks seem to have him as a first round talent.  Others have put a third round grade on him.  However, for the sake of this evaluation, I’m looking at him as a guard only.  While some teams may see him as a fill-in talent at tackle as well, I’m not sure that would be wise for him right out of school.

Another minor strike against Su’a-Filo may be his commitment to the game of football.  Although he is a hard worker with a non-stop motor, he took two years away from football to perform missionary work in his Mormon faith.  I don’t personally see this as a negative.  Instead, I like the fact that he has values and believes strongly in them.   Hopefully that kind of passion and dedication applies to his devotion to football as well.

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Xavier Su

Strengths

• Speed off the snap
• Powerful blocker
• Movement along the line

Weaknesses

• Balance during contact
• Leverage on power moves

Fit For The Vikings

The offensive line for Minnesota has returned and is fully intact from last year’s team.  While continuity is a good thing, there are spots that could use some competition and upgrading.

My Take

By now, most readers on The Viking Age should know that I believe that Charlie Johnson should be replaced at left guard as soon as possible.   If Su’a-Filo is available with the Vikings second pick, I would JUMP on the chance to get him or another of the equally impressive guards in this year’s draft.