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Photo of Paul Fanaika
Grade
?
  • 15 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 6'5" Height
  • 327LBS. Weight

Overview

A former walk-on, Fanaika has used his unique combination of size, surprising foot quickness and determination to develop into one of the better, more underrated interior linemen in the country. Fanaika has intriguing upside for the next level -- if scouts can find a place for him. Despite starting three years at right guard for the Sun Devils, Fanaika's struggles with leverage could pose problems against shorter, powerful defensive tackles. There are some who believe Fanaika's future lies at right tackle, where his size and arm length could be beneficial, but with questionable lateral quickness and no experience outside, it is a projection likely only worthy of a late-round pick. Had an arm span of 35 inches and a hand span of 10 7/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Naturally massive man with even weight distribution. ... Powerful upper body. ... Jolts the defender with his initial hand punch. ... Knee-bender that plays on his feet with surprising balance in pass protection. ... Agile enough to get out and lead the sweep. ... Three-year starter. Negatives: Struggles with the leverage battle as a pass-blocker against the bull-rush. ... Allows defenders to get into his chest and can be walked back into the pocket, despite his strength and size. ... Surprising initial quickness, but only in small areas. ... Will struggle to get to the second level and effectively block speedier linebackers. ... May lack the lateral quickness to protect the edge if moved outside to right tackle.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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