Jordan Mailata's journey from rugby to elite NFL OT keeps earning praise

Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Jordan Mailata has emerged as the NFL's top offensive lineman in pass protection according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He boasts an impressive 89.8 grade.

It's a testament to his remarkable journey and development since being drafted by the Eagles in 2018. What makes his rise even more incredible is that he had never played a single down of American football before entering the NFL.

Yet, in just a few years, he's transformed into one of the league's premier left tackles, protecting the blindside of quarterback Jalen Hurts and becoming a key pillar of the Eagles' offensive line. His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and natural talent, making him a fan favorite and a vital asset to the team.

Jordan Mailata goes from rugby pitch to NFL gridiron.

Mailata's rise is one of the most unique stories in the NFL. Growing up in Australia, he initially pursued a professional rugby career, playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. His exceptional size and athleticism caught the attention of NFL scouts when they saw video footage of him playing rugby league.

Recognizing his potential, Mailata was invited to try out for the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, a stepping stone that led him to the Eagles. In 2018, the Eagles took a bold chance on Mailata, selecting him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, despite his lack of experience in American football.

Mailata became only the second player in NFL history to be drafted without playing high school or college football in the United States (Moritz Böhringer was the first in 2016).

A star is born.

Mailata's journey from a raw prospect to an elite NFL tackle didn’t happen overnight. He trained extensively at IMG Academy in Florida under coach Aden Durde and was scouted by the Eagles’ renowned offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland.

Stoutland’s expert guidance, combined with Mailata’s work ethic and natural athleticism, allowed him to develop at a rapid pace. Despite the steep learning curve, Mailata has openly shared that he had to work twice as hard as his American counterparts to understand the intricacies of the game.

Mailata's growth has been noticeable. In 2021, the Eagles rewarded his progress with a four-year, $64 million contract extension. By 2024, Mailata had secured a three-year, $66 million extension, cementing his place on the Eagles' offensive line through the 2028 season.

2023's breakout season

Mailata’s performance in 2023 solidified his status as one of the league’s elite left tackles. He finished the season with an overall PFF grade of 84.1, ranking third among all offensive tackles.

His pass-blocking grade of 83.2 and run-blocking grade of 83.0 made him the only offensive tackle in the league to achieve such high marks in both categories. This marked a continuation of his steady improvement, building on a 2022 season where he earned a 76.5 grade and finished fifth among offensive tackles

As the 2024 season unfolds, Mailata's early dominance as the highest-graded pass-blocker suggests that he's not just maintaining his elite status—he’s pushing the boundaries even further.

From project to pillar

Jordan Mailata has transformed from a seventh-round project into one of the NFL’s best and most productive left tackles. His unique background, relentless work ethic, and adaptability have made him a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line. As the 2024 season progresses, Mailata's continued excellence will be critical to the Eagles' success.