Eagles Rookie Profile: Victor Salako is a strong run blocker

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Oklahoma State offensive tackle Victor Salako as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2017 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about the new Eagles blocker, I reached out to SB Nation’s Oklahoma State blog: Cowboys Ride For Free. Phillip Slavin was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you sum up what his college career was like?

After transferring from UAB when the school shut down their football program, Salako became the anchor at left tackle for Oklahoma State, where he started every game for two years. His arrival in Stillwater brought improvement to the offensive line including a decrease in sacks, and a rise in offensive yards and points. He earned second-team all-Big 12 his senior year.

2) What are his strengths?

His biggest strength is his size. At 6-foot-6 and 333 pounds, Salako is a big, strong guy with long arms and a good push. He’s a terrific run blocker.

3) What are his weaknesses?

While he is big and strong, I wouldn’t call him the most athletic. He can be a bit stiff. While he was reliable, guys who went low on Salako or could match his strength, could give him real trouble.

4) Are you surprised he went undrafted?

As valuable as left tackle is in the league, I was. I thought he was at least go in one of the final couple rounds. I realize there are weaknesses in his game, but you expect a guy who starts at left tackle for three straight years, including two at a power-5 school, to get drafted somewhere.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

Salako is going to make at worst, a solid multi-year backup. I think he’ll end up moving to left or right guard due to his inefficiencies. However he has shown to be a reliable and consistent player who, could work his way to a starting line-up on the right team.

6) What’s your impression of him off the field?

He seems like a sound, smart guy. From interviews I’ve seen and read he’s well spoken. You really didn’t hear a lot about or from him during his time in Stillwater, which is something I tend to view as a positive. He also seems like a guy who really loves playing football. That’s important for anyone who is going to last in the league.

Click here to watch film of Salako on Draft Breakdown.