Jason Pierre-Paul

6'4 3/4, 270 pounds | Defensive end | South Florida

Pass Rush: Pierre-Paul possesses good speed and explosiveness at the snap. Combine that with his excellent size, and Pierre-Paul has the makings of a difference maker at the next level. Where Pierre-Paul is underrated is in his bull rush. When he comes off the snap low, he can power through defenders. Closes incredibly fast and with force. Doesn’t have much of an array of moves. Relies on his first move – usually a power move – to beat blockers. Will need to learn counter moves before he should be relied on at the next level. Despite his excellent potential as a pass rusher, he only managed 6.5 sacks in 2009.

Pursuit: When he goes unblocked, Pierre-Paul displays great pursuit and effort. However, when he gets held up at the line, his effort wanes and he doesn’t continue the play. Flexibility is questionable. Doesn’t have the agility to flip his hips and change direction.

Quickness/Explosion: This is what makes Pierre-Paul such a highly sought after player. He can fire out of his stance with ease to get around the corner. Comes out his stance low, which helps him power around offensive tackles.

Run Defend/Recognition: Pierre-Paul’s game will need heavily refined in this area. Struggles to maintain his assignment and gets pushed around. The South Florida coaches would routinely take Pierre-Paul off the field on obvious running plays. Even though he greatly struggles defending the run, there is something to build on with Pierre-Paul. His length can be an amazing asset here. At times he flashed an ability to chase down and extend his long arms to pull down the ball carrier. Still, he needs to be more consistent.

Size: Possesses the prototypical size for a defensive end. Tall and high cut with long arms and legs. Has a frame to add at least 10 pounds of bulk. Built like a basketball player, but with more strength.

Strength: Looking at Pierre-Paul, it looks like he has good strength. However, it doesn’t show up during games. Unless Pierre-Paul can use his quickness on the bull rush, he doesn’t have the power to maintain his rush. Can get pushed around by tackles and be completely taken out of games.

Tackling: Had a minimal impact as a tackler and would completely disappear in some games. When he’s playing with a good effort, Pierre-Paul can be a violent tackler. He has the arm length to wrap up, but too frequently is a drag down tackler.

Technique: Has a tendency to play with too high of a pad level. Doesn’t have the kind of counter moves that the great pass rushers possess. Relies too much on his outside speed. Really struggles stacking linemen against the run. Will need heavy coaching in this area. This is where his inexperience really shows.

Versatility: Should strictly be considered a 4-3 defensive end. Some think that Pierre-Paul could line up a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he doesn’t have the lateral agility required.

Final Word: Pierre-Paul is somewhat of an enigma of a defensive end. He’s highly regarded as a pass rusher, but only managed 6.5 sacks in 2009.

He’s extremely inexperienced and has the makings of being a player who has to wait and learn for a season before making an impact.