Tennessee Titans Prospect Profile: Jason Pierre-Paul

We continue this series of prospect profiles with a look at defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Measurables:

Height: 6′ 5″

Weight: 270

Arm Length: 34¾”

Hand Size: 10⅜”

40-yard time: 4.71

10-yard split: 1.65

Bench Reps: 19

Vertical jump: 30½”

Broad jump: 9′ 7″

Short shuttle: 4.67

3-cone drill: 7.18

Overview: Pierre-Paul is blessed with freakish athletic ability, drawing comparisons to a young Jevon “The Freak” Kearse. JPP is extremely raw, he didn’t start playing football until his junior year in high school and played just one year in FCS. He is a project who will require extensive coaching and more than the normal amount of patience but he has the potential to become a tremendous player. Very high risk/reward. Projected to be a first-round pick.

Pass Rush: Explosive edge rusher. Good quickness off the snap. Relies on just a speed rush and a bull rush, the latter of which is only effective against lesser tackles. Has difficulty disengaging for a secondary rush. Clogs and disrupts passing lanes. Could become a fearsome pass rusher once he develops more moves.

Run Defense: Is pushed around by good blockers and is on the ground too often. Needs to add strength but has the frame to add more bulk. Does not use his arms and hands well to keep blockers off him. Needs to learn how to disengage and shed blocks. Inconsistent pad level and leverage. Excellent range and effort in pursuit. Is more of a lunge and drag-down tackler than a form tackler. Makes a lot of arm tackles. As with his pass rush, he needs more coaching, experience and strength to improve as a run defender.

Size/Strength/Athleticism: Ideal size with great length. Has the frame to bulk up and add more muscle, which he will need to do. Outstanding athletic ability, starred in a YouTube video doing backflips. Excellent quickness and burst. Has the athleticism to be converted to a 3-4 outside backer.

Miscellaneous: Was a basketball player in high school before turning his attention to football. Does not exhibit good football instincts or awareness, which once again, will take time. Very active player with high energy and a strong motor. Good attitude and work ethic. No character concerns.

Weaknesses: Pierre-Paul’s inexperience cannot be stressed enough; he is incredibly raw and green. He is more of an athlete than he is a football player. JPP is a one-dimensional player as an edge rusher who depends almost entirely upon his speed rush.

My take: Regarding the comparison to The Freak, Kearse was also very raw at this stage, but was only raw as a defensive end. Kearse was not raw as a football player, as JPP still is. Pierre-Paul is much greener and will require extensive coaching and time in the weight room. The team willing to take a chance on JPP’s potential will need to be patient for him to develop before he will start paying dividends. It will be a delightful challenge for the d-line coach who will attempt to mold JPP into the player who realizes that vast potential. If the Titans draft Pierre-Paul I believe Jim Washburn will be the most excited man in Tennessee.

Disclaimer: This profile was compiled from watching tape and from various scouting reports; I have not seen Pierre-Paul in person.

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Tennessee Titans Prospect Profile: Jason Pierre-Paul

Alan Draper

Alan Draper

Alan Draper