DT, Fili Moala, USC

DT, Fili Moala, USC

Pros:  Powerfully built bull rusher who collapses pockets with strength and a dynamic, unrelenting energy.  Could add much more weight to his frame, and if he did would be a coveted specimen for the NT position.  Very quick off the snap.

Cons: Lacks any kind of technical skill at  the position, with only a bull rush move and his burst off the line, though both are exceptional.  Not a great tackler or rusher, very slow, and lacks closing quickness to bring down the ball carrier.  Had academic troubles and will struggle with the playbook.  Also had an off-field incident involving resisting arrest, though no charges were filed.

Styg's Broncos "fit":   While Fili may have the size to be considered a NT (and he could easily add more), the Broncos would be better off passing on this limited prospect. Moala has an amazing motor and intensity, but is reckless, and will undoubtedly have problems absorbing the playbook of a 3-4 scheme. He lacks the versatility to be both run and pass as a NT, and has limited value at DE. He would however be a tremendous help in the run game, and he is one of the few NT prospects that I am confident would adjust well to altitude. As a mid third round pick, his four star value should hold its own against possible oline considerations. Earlier than that and Denver is taking a chance on a rotational player that is doubtful to start from day one.

Around MHR:

Speaking of NT

Fili Moala is getting some good reviews right now. He is 6-5 300 but has the body frame to add 20-25 bounds. I watched a lot of USC games this year and the reason thier LB looked so good is because they had Moala playing NT for them and he demanded the double team. And an interesting fact about his is his cousin is a dominte NT that goes by the name Haloti Ngata. We could most likely get Moala in the 2nd round.

by gnarlybroncodude

SBNation Says:

Mocking Dan on Mocking the Draft:

I will say, though, there are more players like Jerry [peria] than there are like [b.j.]Raji in this draft. A team could pass on a tackle in the first round and still hope for someone like Tyson Jackson or Fili Moala in the second. The only other player who is a pure run stopper like Raji is Terrence Taylor of Michigan, but he is a big step down in quality.

FromScouting Report at Mocking the Draft

 Uses his size to collapse running lanes between the tackles. Can handle double teams. Great recognition skills, which come from being a career starter on the defensive line. Knows where the ball is going and is quick to react. A four-year starter. Solid wrap-up tackler. Has the strength to hold on to finish off tackles. Frame is big enough to easily at 10-15 pounds of mass. Could play inside in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4.

Highlights

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Can't play three-technique, but can be an adequate nose tackle in the 4-3; best fit is at five-technique in the 3-4 where he can plug the run going against offense tackles using his size to his advantage....[see more]
• He lacks ideal lower body strength to anchor against the run, so he needs to add bulk and strength if he wants to be an every down lineman in the NFL. Moala needs to become stronger at the point of attack in order to help his run defense. Moala allows blockers to get inside too often and does not do a good enough job with his hands to keep them from pushing him around when they get into his pads...[see more]
• Cousin is Baltimore Raven Haloti Ngata...Originally signed with the Trojans in 2003 but did not qualify for admission so he attended Cypress (CA) Junior College as a part-time student but didn't play football there...A three-year starter who redshirted in 2004 due to hand and shoulder injuries...Was arrested in March of 2008 for resisting and obstructing an officer during a bar fight....[see more]
• Entered college very overweight and has worked hard to trim down. A strong competitor, which sometimes gets overlooked due to some of his teammates....[see more]
• Fili Moala was considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects in the country entering the 2009 draft, but disappointed with Sedrick Ellis no longer lining up next to him. His motor seems to run hot and cold and he never demonstrated the ability to dominate. He projects as a possible NFL starter, but has been a bit overhyped due to his program pedigree. His best chance to make a long term impact at the NFL level is probably going to rest in his ability to add some bulk to his large frame and become an anchor at the point of attack, much like his cousin, Hanoi Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens  [see more...]