Jason Pierre-Paul

Pierre-Paul played basketball his first two years of high school before picking up football. But it didn't take long for the junior college transfer to make a name for himself on the national scene as a star at South Florida. Academics prevented Pierre-Paul from attending USF out of high school. He dominated in two junior college seasons (14 sacks at the College of the Canyons, 10.5 at Fort Scott CC). After starring in an upset of Florida State, Pierre-Paul continued to produce at a level deserving of first-team All-Big East honors in his only season in Tampa (14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks). Pierre-Paul's athleticism (though his Combine was not as memorable as most expected) has been a YouTube attraction and NFL teams' desperate search for pass rushers should earn him a spot in the top 50 picks of the draft. He has very raw technique and marginal strength, but defensive line coaches will line up for the chance to mold the potential-packed prize.

strength

Lacks functional strength to hold up against NFL tackles, whether attempting a bull rush or stacking his man to play the run. Loses his balance when attempting to disengage on stretch plays. Easily knocked off his feet running in space. Limited stamina shows up late in games through less hustle and lost strength after initial contact.

explosion

Explodes out of his stance when rushing the passer out of a three-point stance, especially if the quarterback does not change up the snap count. Little pop into his man's jersey playing against the run game and typically was dominated by NFL-caliber tackles.

tackling

Drag-down tackler who uses his hustle and length to his advantage when in position to make a play. Will take a big shot at a ballcarrier if vulnerable, but is not really an explosive tackler. Is evaded too easily in the backfield because he lunges and lacks the flexibility to break down and quickly change direction.

intangibles

Has relatively little experience on the football field. Played at three schools in three years because of academic issues. No character red flags.

run defense

Only fair change-of-direction agility for his size; he ends up on the ground too often when ballcarriers elude him. Uses his length and good effort to grab running backs coming through the hole if not engaged. Hustles to plays run away from him or downfield when fresh, but isn't fast enough to chase down running backs or mobile quarterbacks from behind. Does not know how to use his hands to get off blocks from tackles or tight ends. Often on the sideline in short-yardage situations because can't get low or stand his ground against strong tackles.

pass rush

Lined up on both sides of the defensive line (and stood up as an outside linebacker) and has the length, effort and closing speed to be a very good pass rusher. Has the height, length and excellent vertical jump to clog passing lanes. Gets to the pocket in a hurry against most tackles, but struggles to turn the corner against better linemen because of a lack of flexibility. Flashes ability to beat tight ends with quickness but is not consistent. Very raw in his pass-rush technique -- only capable of going outside and can bull rush effectively against lesser competition. Does not get off blocks to offer a secondary rush. Dances on the edge, even when running backs meet him to chip. Not effective on twists.