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Asked if he considers Halapoulivaati Vaitai a potential long-term piece for the Lions, O-line coach Hank Fraley answered, “Why wouldn’t you? The guy can do a lot of things that a lot of people n this league can’t.”
Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger.
Like get paid some astronomical amount per play that he’s actually on the field. That takes a special skill.
To the question: who is the most overpaid OL in the NFL?
Good grief, what’s next? Tavai is the answer
Whelp. They’re not evaluators, they’re coaches. Got to be easy to telescope in on who you have and find the good in em. I saw some flashes from HV, too - whether he’s able to put it all together on a play to play basis is another question methinks
Big V has some skills, especially in the run game, his pass blocking is a bit weak though. If we have a run heavy offense, he could actually fit pretty well between Ragnow and Sewell, who can both help him in pass pro.
I’m cautiously optimistic on Big V. He was never healthy in 2020 and he’s clearly more of a guard than a tackle.
It’s really the only answer Fraley could give no matter what he thinks. His contract says he’s going to be here, so why undercut his motivation? I suppose Fraley could’ve channeled Dan on Tavai and said, “And Halapoutivaati is a guy signed by the previous FO.”
I personally fall back on the idea that injuries slowed him down, especially at the beginning of last season, and that he can’t be devoid of talent and get a $10M contract.
Name a person who has at least 8 vowels in their last name.
Answering a question with a question is never a strong sign. He didn’t say “Yes. He is a good player and I am excited about him.” Nope, he said "
To me that means he is the guy here now until someone beats him out. I bet Hank likes him just fine but does he love him as a player? Unlikely with an answer like that.
Its not his fault he was over paid .so dislike his play. But what he is paid blame those that offered it.
So many when comes to his play whine about what he is paid .
He was hurt last season an I agre with anyone who says he is a OG not a OT unless needed cus of injury.
So bitch about his play an support it with facts I can handle that but his pay who here would tell boss he is over paying you.
Complain where who is responsible not for him signing.
Big V may be the answer at RG. Not trying to make excuses for last season but there are a lot of reasons we could see a big improvement in his play. A scheme that fits his strengths, improved OT play, better coaching and atmosphere, a year removed from his injury. If he is the answer at RG our oline is set.
My perspective is all these type of players are getting a fresh start with fresh coaching…
Either they try and succeed or they don’t but I love that they all have a chance to improve - if they do their part!
Another thing to note is that assistant head coach Duce Staley knows Big V very well, they were together for 4 years in Philly and even won the super bowl together. As Running back coach he would have worked closely with the o-line and should know Big V’s strengths and weaknesses.
Didn’t realize that about Duce, I still don’t believe he’s worth the dough, if they do decide to keep him after this year I have to believe it’s going to involve a substantial restructuring of his contract.
I totally never made the connection. Very good point.
He’ll be sandwiched between two perennial Pro Bowlers, so if he can’t be effective under those circumstances, then he just can’t be. (Yeah, I just crowned Sewell, we’ll see).
Hurting his ankle on MP’s stupid conditioning hill was something that he wasn’t able to come back from last year…
Agreed. A big part of a coach’s job is turd polishing until you can get something better.
8 vowels
Chris Fumatu-Maafala
But the hyphen makes me feel dirty
one bad ma-afala