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Just call new Eagles tackle 'Big V'

The most challenging part of the Eagles drafting Halapoulivaati Vaitai might have been calling in his name. The pronunciation of Vaitai's first name is "hal-lah-poo-lee-VAH-tee," but even Eagles executive Howie Roseman is calling the team's fifth-round pick "Big V."

Before Halapoulivaati Vaitai begins playing for the Eagles, the rookie offensive lineman will have a nickname. Howie Roseman did not even attempt saying "hal-lah-poo-lee-VAH-tee," instead calling the team's fifth-round pick "Big V."

It's a nickname that Eagles fans might need to remember. Vaitai, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle from Texas Christian, is an intriguing prospect whom the Eagles will try to develop at tackle. He also was a player the Eagles considered trading up to acquire before he slipped to the No. 164 pick.

"He's got all the tools," Roseman said. "Now it's got to come together for him. He's a guy that, when you talk to our coaching staff, they would take him anywhere in the draft because of the rare tools that he has."

The Eagles sent offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland to Fort Worth, Texas, before the draft to work out Vaitai. The team's brass deduced that Vaitai needs more consistency. That's why Vaitai was available in the fifth round. But his size and potential fits the profile of the type of young, developmental tackle that the Eagles have lacked in recent years. The Eagles haven't drafted a middle-round offensive tackle since Dennis Kelly in 2012.

In the week before the draft, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock mentioned Vaitai as a candidate for the Eagles in the third round. He was a prospect who impressed offensive line coaches around the league during the pre-draft process.

"I think when everyone sees him move, they will understand kind of why we took a shot in the fifth round," Roseman said.

Vaitai started three seasons for the Horned Frogs and was a second-team all-Big 12 performer in 2014 and 2015 at both right tackle and left tackle. He must adjust to Doug Pederson's system from a high-scoring, fast-paced, spread offense and learn some of the technical aspects. But he has the benefit of time.

"I can learn quick," Vaitai said. "The first two years of my college career, we had a pro-style offense, too, and so we went three-point all the time at tackle and guards. And then once the spread offense came, we had to get used to getting off. We had to get used to getting on two-point. But going off of three, I don't think it's going to be a big adjustment."

The Eagles have a clear succession plan at left tackle, with Lane Johnson eventually taking over for Jason Peters. But their pipeline is devoid of potential starters for right tackle. And without a first-round pick in 2017 and a second-round pick in 2018, it's important that the team thinks about its long-term positional outlook.

That's why Vaitai is a player to watch, especially beyond this season, when he's likely to be a deep reserve. Roseman said with the additions of veteran Brandon Brooks and Stefen Wisniewski, third-round pick Isaac Seumalo and Vaitai, the Eagles have added "four real guys there" that show a commitment to improving the offensive line.

Vaitai studied Peters during the last two seasons as a tackle to emulate. He will get to work with the eight-time Pro Bowler this summer. But it won't be the first time Vaitai has met Peters. That came at a Texas shopping mall.

"I bet he doesn't remember me," Vaitai said.

Peters will know Vaitai now - or at least by his nickname. His given name is of Tongan origin, and he gets it from his father's brother. His brothers are named Kevin and Will, but he has "the lucky name." Vaitai said his friends call him "V," "Big V," or "Vaitai," and what he hears from his mother depends on her mood.

"She calls me 'V'," Vaitai said, "but when I'm in trouble, she uses the whole name."

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm www.philly.com/eaglesblog