BLACKSBURG, Ville — Virginia Tech left tackle Xavier Chaplin has finished most weeks as the highest-rated player by Pro Football Focus, which focuses on the Hokies’ offense.
This week, Xavier Chaplin not only led the Hokies with a PFF grade of 88.8, but his 88.8 grade was good enough to be named PFF’s highest-rated left tackle in Week 8, and then PFF’s Representative of the Week Selected for the team.
Beischl Tuten’s performance was overshadowed by Chaplin’s in PFF grades, but Tuten was named to PFF’s ACC Team of the Week with a 70.6 grade following a 266 rushing yard performance.
Chaplin played a big role in Tuten’s big game, blocking at the next level, like an NFL-level offensive tackle, against Boston College’s impressive defensive line.
Chaplin also did not allow a sack, pressure, or quarterback rush throughout the game.
It’s too early to think about Chaplin’s role in the NFL Draft, as he is a redshirt sophomore and will likely turn pro in the 2027 season. No matter which draft he chooses, he’ll likely hear his name called. National analyst Tony Poulin teased the idea of Chaplin entering the 2025 NFL Draft as a third-year sophomore. Poulin rated Chaplin as a fifth-round talent and noted that he is a cornerstone of the Virginia Tech Hokies’ offensive line.
ESPN currently lists him as having NFL-level size at 6-foot-7 and 323 pounds, but he has complete control over defensive linemen his size and rarely takes penalties.
Note that Brent Pry will continue to rely on Chaplin’s dominance at left tackle.
Additional links:
Virginia Tech football: Tuten, Powell-Ryland, Chaplin named All-ACC Team of the Week
Virginia Tech Football: Brent Pry wins Head Coach of the Week
Virginia Tech football: Hokies extend win record on Thursday night
