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Jordan Mailata's story with the Eagles isn't quite rags to riches. Still, the All-Pro left tackle has improved drastically year by year since Philadelphia selected the former Australian Rugby Player in the late rounds of the 2018 NFL draft. Since then, Mailata, 28, has developed into one of the NFL's most efficient and highest graded left tackles.
Mailata, like Jason Kelce before him, has taken on a mentor role in the Eagles' locker room, and like the former All-Pro center, Mailata will play a role in finding his eventual successor. While speaking with NJ Advance Media's Cayden Steele, Mailata hinted at an early retirement, but only after he finds his replacement.
“I care a lot, man,” Mailata said. “I care a lot because I only have so long to play this game, man. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, you can play another five years.’ Yeah, bulls---. I’m already in the phase of bringing the next guy along with me. Who’s it gonna be? I can’t tell you, but it’s a high standard playing in this city, so just gotta keep that going. And for me it’s just, I want the best for those boys. I am always going to root for the underdog.”
“In a sense, I’d feel a type of way,” Mailata said about not finding his replacement before retirement. “You just want to leave it in a good place. Leave it as you found it.”
With the help of Lane Johnson and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Mailata has become the face of the NFL's International Pathway Program. Mailata's 83.8 overall grade from PFF is the 8th best in the NFL, while his 81.2 pass blocking grade is eighth as well.
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Mailata has allowed two sacks in 972 pass block snaps.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jordan Mailata has started to scout his likely successor with Eagles
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