Player Profile: Xavier Su'a-Filo

Height:  6'4
Weight:  307
School:  UCLA
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #4 Guard
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Ideal size and frame for the guard position
-Experience.  Started 40 games in the Pac 12
-Has experience playing both Left Tackle and Guard
-Displays good quickness off the ball
-Moves well in space when pulling and getting to the second level
-Elite athlete for a guard (3rd best shuttle for an offensive lineman at Combine)
-Does a good job of always moving his feet and adjusting to the defender
-Uses his hands well in pass protection to keep defenders off his body
-Able to use his body to wall of defenders to open up holes in the running game
-Uses his speed and quickness to mirror pass rushers
-High character guy.  A Eagle Scout
-Durable.  No injury issues to be concerned with

Weaknesses
-Inconsistent pad level.  Will get too high
-Not an overpowering blocker.  Fits more of a zone blocking scheme
-Lateral agility is average.  Can be beat when a DT makes a double move inside
-Will struggle to adjust to twists and stunts and miss a guy being passed off to him
-Lacks a strong anchor.  Will get pushed back against a bull rush
-Can be more of a grabber than a puncher in pass protection
-Will struggle to sustain blocks
-Will be 23 years old when drafted

Summary
Xavier Su'a-Filo is a name that is starting to climb up draft boards.  Su'a-Filo has a ton of experience playing Left Tackle for the Bruins, but because of his size and lack of length he's much better suited for guard in the NFL.   He is a very good athlete for somebody his size, he moves with easy and is very effective trapping and pulling in the run game.  Su'a-Filo is at his best in the run game where he uses his athletic ability to do a good job of positioning his body and shielding off defenders in the run game.  He'd be an excellent fit in a zone blocking scheme, but could also have success in any scheme.  In the passing game he shows a lot of promise.  When playing left tackle he had good footwork and was able to mirror defenders.  However when playing guard he often had trouble with is lateral movement and was beat at times.  That being said he keep Pac 12 DPOY Will Sutton in check, but when he moved to tackle Sutton was able to beat the new guard.  Su'a-Filo has some weaknesses, but nothing that is going to really scare teams off.  Having him work strictly at guard should only make him better.  Look for him to go somewhere in the second round, but don't be surprised if a team like Seattle falls in love with him and takes him at the end of round one.