© Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders are not done trying to unearth potential gems.
On Wednesday, the team announced that they have signed defensive lineman Laki Tasi via the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPP).
Born in Samoa, the 21-year-old Tasi has spent most of his life in Brisbane, Australia. The six-foot-six, 348-pound behemoth played rugby for the Ashgrove GPS Rugby Club before joining the NFL Academy in 2024. He stood out on the defensive line, and the Raiders now hope to take a chance on him.
If all works out, Tasi could end up being the defensive equivalent to a fellow Aussie and rugby-turned-football star in Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata.