sport news Australian NFL star Daniel Faalele gets rave reviews from Baltimore Ravens ... trends now
Aussie behemoth Daniel Faalele wasn't expected to start many NFL games this season after being picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in April's draft, but the rookie is coming on 'in leaps and bounds' according to one coach.
The 203cm, 174kg offensive lineman, who hails from Melbourne, is the biggest player in the NFL - but that isn't slowing down his development whatsover.
Faalele, who is still just 22, has only been playing since 2017 after moving to the US from Australia.
It means he understandably raw when it comes to the finer points of blocking, but Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman could not be more impressed by the former University of Minnesota standout's progress.
Daniel Faalele, who was born and bred in Melbourne, was recruited to Baltimore from the University of Minnesota
Daniel Faalele (right) blocks Rashad Weaver in the Ravens' preseason victory last week
'I'm really happy with him. I think he took a step by staying here after our offseason program and working with our strength and conditioning staff and whatnot here,' Roman said after a recent training session.
'I really think that allowed him to come into training camp in much better shape, and ready to compete.'
Instead of going home to put his feet up and have a festive beverage or two for six weeks between the mandatory minicamp and training, Faalele knuckled down and stayed at the Ravens facility.
Daniel Faalele said he gained a lot of confidence from his first-ever NFL game
It helped him get much fitter for training camp, and he passed the conditioning test with flying colours, despite his enormous frame.
Roman said the decision of Faalele to stay and do extra training and preparation showed a willingness to compete immediately - one of the attributes any Aussie athlete would be the most proud of.
'An arrow up for him,' said Roman of his appeal to the coaching staff.
