Day 4 combine wrap

Nice work by the boys all week

Finally, Paea.  The ridiculously-strong defensive tackle from Oregon State may have been the story of the day.  Paea broke the Combine record by throwing up 49 reps in the bench press, besting the previous record of 45.  This kid is strong, to say the least.  Paea measured in at 6-1, 304 lbs and identifies as “mostly a three-technique.”  That means the Colts will be watching closely.  He’s an interesting story because he didn’t move to the United States until he was “16 going on 17” and didn’t play football until his senior year of high school.  Before that, he was primarily a rugby player and claims much of his toughness originated from those roots.  It quickly became apparent, though, that he had a future in football, so the former Tongan rugby player chose Oregon State and excelled there.  We didn’t get to see Paea in the Senior Bowl, unfortunately, because he tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee.  He did have the knee repaired by the (in)famous Dr. James Andrews and is slotted to return to 100 percent health in a month.