Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62), guard Landon Dickerson (69) and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) stand on the field during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Kelce says former Eagles teammate was 'absolutely terrible' at first

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated 5/17/24

Former Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce has been making headlines this offseason since announcing his retirement from the NFL. He was asked on X recently to evaluate a former teammate of his, offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, after a fan heard that the former center was able to evaluate offensive lineman in one rep. Mailata was drafted in the seventh round by Philadelphia, and at first glance in practice, Kelce thought he was “terrible”.

Jason Kelce gets honest about teammate

Here is what the legendary Eagles center had to say about his first evaluation of Mailata.

"If I’m being honest he looked absolutely terrible. But, he looked terrible because he had never played," Kelce admitted. "The size and athleticism was obviously there, it was just a question of if it was going to click for him down the road with the techniques and fundamentals.”

Jordan Mailata surging

While the criticism from Kelce may seem harsh to some, Mailata was able to figure out the fundamentals and played in 15 games during the 2020 NFL season. He has played in 62 games over the last four seasons, and played with Kelce in each game, earning more respect from the legendary center.

While the Eagles will have a new center this season as Kelce is now retired, Mailata will be the starting left tackle after surging to an 80.0-plus PFF grade in 2023 after recording a 76.5 grade the year prior. He allowed just three sacks last season, making him one the elite tackles in the league. Will he continue to surge this upcoming season?

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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