Eagles’ Jordan Mailata (68) and Matt Pryor (69) look to block Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sports Eagles Cowboys
A former professional rugby player, Mailata was originally selected by Philadelphia in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, despite having no prior football experience.
Mailata turned that opportunity in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, into a gradual progression that paid off in 2020.
This season Mailata showed potential during the preseason and thrust into extensive playing time after the Eagles’ myriad of injuries.
Mailata was solid in 2020, allowing 32 total pressures and he finished the season as a top-15 tackle according to PFF from Week 11 onward, just behind Jets first-round rookie Mekhi Becton.
Even with former first-round pick Andre Dillard returning from injury, Mailata could still be an early favorite to start at left tackle for the rebuilding Eagles.
Mailata is an athletic freak, who encompasses the traits of being big, strong, and fast.
Mailata signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $2,549,392 and he has one-year remaining on his deal with a payout of $850,000 before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
