The IPP, or International Pathway Players Program, has really helped the Las Vegas Raiders the last few years when it has come to taking advantage of a roster rule and practice squad rule.
You get to add depth at a position you feel is crucial, while developing a guy that certainly has potential, all while not having to count on him on your practice squad during the season. In the last few years, it was defensive tackle David Agoha who was filling that role. But he was the IPP pick by the previous regime.
This new regime, under Pete Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks head coach, and John Spytek, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM, decided to move on from Agoha. They brought on Laki Tasi instead, a player who has some background in Rugby.
Tasi is a mammoth of a man, as the listed defensive tackle is 6’6” and 348 pounds. Since the Raiders brought him on, they have talked about him and labeled him as a defensive tackle at the NFL level. But, the Raiders seem to have something else in mind.
Raiders played Laki Tasi on offense during OTAs
On Wednesday, the Raiders had an open OTA practice session with the media. And, when the practice was going on, outside of the three interceptions Geno Smith threw, the biggest thing being talked about was that Tasi was on offense.
Now, reporters and writers on site didn’t say what position he was playing, but it feels like there are only a few that are possible. I think the first and most obvious one is full-back due to his size and rugby background.
These could have been goal-line situations with Tasi lined up as a fullback, either as the lead blocker, clearing out big gaps, or being handed the ball, being used as a bowling ball to get into the end zone. Tasi may have a skill set that suits that role for him, kind of like what we saw with one of the Raiders’ rookies in J.J. Pegues last season when he was at Ole Miss.
Pete Carroll has already moved Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott to wide receiver, and he could be moving Tasi to full back, or even on the offensive line, for all we know.