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NFL
Raiders massive IPP player officially switches to other side of the ball
TL;DR
Laki Tasi has officially switched from offensive lineman to defensive lineman for the Raiders. The move follows weeks of speculation regarding his position change.
Key points
- Laki Tasi officially switches to defensive lineman
- Previously played as offensive lineman during training camp
- Tasi is 6-6 and weighs 373 pounds
- Came to the Raiders from Australia via the International Player Program
- Speculation about his position change lasted for weeks
International Player ProgramRaiders
For weeks there has been speculation that Laki Tasi would be switching back to the defensive side of the ball. Now it's officially happening.
The Raiders' International Player Program (IPP) player last season, Tasi came to Las Vegas from Australia where the mountainous 6-6, 373-pounder played rugby.
His massive frame made him an intriguing prospect as a lineman in the NFL. He came to the Raiders as a defensive tackle, but during training camp Pete Carroll's staff decided to flip him to the offensive side of the ball.
When the Raiders put out their roster for Rookie minicamp last weekend, Tasi was still listed as an offensive lineman. But as of today, the team's website has officially made the change to DL.
The change could be for a number of reasons. One, because the previous coaching staff was utterly clueless about who should be playing what on the offensive line. This cluelessness being led by Pete Carroll's son, Brenden to disastrous results. The other reason is because the defense is switching to a 3-4 which means the team will need a big body to man the nose tackle spot and it's possible that is Tasi's best shot of making this team and seeing the field this season.
Other possible nose tackles on the roster include JJ Pegues, Brodric Martin, and rookies Brandon Cleveland and Gary Smith III.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders massive IPP player officially switches to other side of the ball
Q&A
Why did Laki Tasi switch from offensive to defensive lineman?
Laki Tasi switched positions due to the coaching staff's decision during training camp, believing he would be more effective as a defensive lineman.
What are Laki Tasi's physical attributes?
Laki Tasi stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 373 pounds, making him a significant presence on the field.
What was Laki Tasi's background before joining the Raiders?
Before joining the Raiders, Laki Tasi played rugby in Australia and was part of the NFL's International Player Program.
