Falcons Coach Watches DL Viliami Fehoko's Pro Day; EXCLUSIVE Draft Interview
The Atlanta Falcons are on the hunt for a big-bodied defensive end to fit new coordinator Ryan Nielsen's front - and San Jose State's Viliami Fehoko Jr. could just be that player.
Fehoko, who stands 6-4, 282 pounds, is the reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and drew a large crowd at his pro day on Wednesday, with over 40 evaluators in attendance.
And according to Pro Football Network, the Falcons were one of just three teams to send a defensive line coach for Fehoko's workout - presumably Lanier Goethie, who officially holds the title of defensive front specialist.
Teams often send scouts to pro days, but position coaches normally only attend when there's legitimate intrigue in a prospect.
In Atlanta's case, interest in Fehoko isn't new - the Falcons had him on their team at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where rosters were hand-picked.
However, Fehoko was out due to a leg injury suffered during the season and therefore could only experience the first three days of meetings before flying out early to continue his rehab.
But before that, Fehoko spoke one-on-one with Sports Illustrated's Falcon Report on a variety of topics, ranging from his rugby background, relationship with his second cousin and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and his growth at San Jose State.
Meet Fehoko, a big man on the field with an even bigger personality off it ...
Among many others, there are two things that come to mind about Fehoko.
First, his family is athletic - very athletic. From another former San Jose State defensive lineman to a women's volleyball player and, of course, the aforementioned Vea, there's no shortage of family talent.
Fehoko comes from a close-knit family; he grew up a block away from Vea and would swim at his house as a kid. They don't talk too often anymore as they're busy with their own things, but the bond throughout remains strong.
Growing up in Stanford, California, Fehoko was a late bloomer in high school, breaking out in his senior year to earn first-team All-Bay Area honors.
But football wasn't the only sport Fehoko played - and that brings up the second point: he's always liked to hit people ... hard.
Fehoko was a member of the East Palo Alto Razorbacks rugby club, a K-12 organization a few miles away from his home. He spoke fondly of the experience - and believes it's translated onto the gridiron.
"Just not being scared to attack a tackle or somebody," Fehoko said. "When you're not in pads, you can be a little hesitant. Now, I'm padded and what's stopping me from running full speed through somebody's face, somebody's body?
"In terms of aggressiveness, violence and physicality, I think rugby had it all."
But now, Fehoko is all football; he loves the sport, to the extent that Pro Football Network dubbed him "one of the most intense defenders you'll find in this year's draft class."
His play on the field speaks for itself - since playing in four games and redshirting as a true freshman, Fehoko suited up in the Spartans' final 45 games, starting all but once in that span.
Across his last three years, Fehoko 12 and a half, 11 and a half and 19 tackles for loss, respectively, and has 22 sacks to his name in that span. He knocked down 14 passes at the line of scrimmage throughout his college career, proving his value even when he doesn't get to the quarterback.
From start to finish, Fehoko cited "leadership, accountability (and) responsibility" as the biggest things he improved on throughout his Spartans career.
He noted the value of teammates Cade Hall (2023 draft prospect and two-time first team all-conference) and Jack Snyder (signed with the Los Angeles Rams following last year's draft) for pushing him in practice as iron sharpened iron.
But there's another area where Fehoko grew ... and it embodies the businessman-like approach he's adapted in recent years.
"I used to be a big talker - I think I used to talk too much," Fehoko said. "But this past season, I just focused in on my goal every play and just make the play and get back to the line of scrimmage - time to do it again."
And Fehoko did it again ... and again ... and again - until people noticed.
He'll depart San Jose State with three consecutive first team All-Mountain West honors and was named a second-team All-American by multiple outlets - along with the prestige of being conference defensive player of the year.
Fehoko is now set to be a mid-round draft pick and could go as early as the third round, per PFN, which was only further asserted following a strong pro day in which he ran a 4.72 40-yard dash and "looked outstanding" in drills.
His rise from swimming with Vea and playing rugby to potential top-100 draft pick has been unique - but it's helped foster a well-rounded football player who's set to bring the following to an NFL organization this fall ...
"Somebody who loves to play this game, that won't take this opportunity and the gift that this game offers for granted," Fehoko said. "They're going to get a violent, physical player in every aspect of the game, whether it's passing or rushing, chasing the ball down, pursuit to the ball everything.
"I think they're getting the complete package."
Will it be the Falcons who take a chance on Fehoko's violence, physicality and "complete" skill set?
That answer won't be in until late April ... but Fehoko certainly checks a lot of key boxes and there's demonstrated examples of interest, making him a name to monitor moving forward.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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