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Fuaga’s 3.4% pressure rate ranked 39th out of 199 qualified FBS tackles (min. 350 pass-block snaps). He did not allow any sacks, though, tying for first. His 4.5% true pass set pressure rate ranked 20th. (True pass sets are pass plays with a dropback time between 2-4 seconds, no screen or play-action, and at least 4 pass rushers.)
When adjusting for an FBS average rate of true pass sets, Fuaga’s pressure rank rises to 37th. With a pro-adjusted true pass set rate, his pressure rate rank rises to 30th.
Of the 12 pressures Fuaga allowed in 2023, none were sacks and two were quarterback hits, giving him a 16.7% rate of highly impactful pressures allowed. The FBS average for tackles was 29%, as was the NFL average. Fuaga did a good job of keeping his quarterback upright, even when he allowed pressure.
As a run-blocker, Fuaga led all FBS tackles with a 90.9 Pro Football Focus grade. That included a 91.3 zone-blocking grade (1st) and a 78.9 gap-blocking grade (3rd). He was a much more zone-heavy blocker than gap, blocking in zone 61.3% of the time compared to just 27.5% in gap. Statistically, that would seem like a perfect fit for the Jets — a dominant zone run-blocker.
Summary
Joe Blewett said that he thinks Fuaga could be a really good guard at the NFL level more so than a tackle. He added that Fuaga’s lateral quickness is not elite, but he moves well vertically in space.
Fuaga’s lesser pass-blocking statistics compared to the other tackle prospects despite playing an easier schedule is somewhat concerning. Overall, he is known as a better run-blocker than pass-blocker, which is not ideal for what the Jets are seeking.
Still, compared to Fashanu, Fuaga seems to be a more pro-ready player. If the Jets have a choice between the two, it seems they’d be more likely to go with Fuaga due to his success as a zone blocker in college. That is likely why Jeremiah mocked him to the Jets over Fashanu.
Fuaga’s 3.4% pressure rate ranked 39th out of 199 qualified FBS tackles (min. 350 pass-block snaps). He did not allow any sacks, though, tying for first. His 4.5% true pass set pressure rate ranked 20th. (True pass sets are pass plays with a dropback time between 2-4 seconds, no screen or play-action, and at least 4 pass rushers.)
When adjusting for an FBS average rate of true pass sets, Fuaga’s pressure rank rises to 37th. With a pro-adjusted true pass set rate, his pressure rate rank rises to 30th.
Of the 12 pressures Fuaga allowed in 2023, none were sacks and two were quarterback hits, giving him a 16.7% rate of highly impactful pressures allowed. The FBS average for tackles was 29%, as was the NFL average. Fuaga did a good job of keeping his quarterback upright, even when he allowed pressure.
As a run-blocker, Fuaga led all FBS tackles with a 90.9 Pro Football Focus grade. That included a 91.3 zone-blocking grade (1st) and a 78.9 gap-blocking grade (3rd). He was a much more zone-heavy blocker than gap, blocking in zone 61.3% of the time compared to just 27.5% in gap. Statistically, that would seem like a perfect fit for the Jets — a dominant zone run-blocker.
Summary
Joe Blewett said that he thinks Fuaga could be a really good guard at the NFL level more so than a tackle. He added that Fuaga’s lateral quickness is not elite, but he moves well vertically in space.
Fuaga’s lesser pass-blocking statistics compared to the other tackle prospects despite playing an easier schedule is somewhat concerning. Overall, he is known as a better run-blocker than pass-blocker, which is not ideal for what the Jets are seeking.
Still, compared to Fashanu, Fuaga seems to be a more pro-ready player. If the Jets have a choice between the two, it seems they’d be more likely to go with Fuaga due to his success as a zone blocker in college. That is likely why Jeremiah mocked him to the Jets over Fashanu.
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