Jason Pierre Paul Goes Boom!

Leading up to the 2010 N.F.L. Draft, Jason Pierre Paul was synonymous with “boom or bust” prospect. And why not? He was raw, had very little college production, and bursted onto the scene after spending a few years in JUCO. He also had his intelligence questioned as he reportedly scored low on his wonderlic test. He also was known by casual draft followers only as the guy who could do backflips or from his Sports Science special.

Pierre Paul is a physical monster.

At the combine he was listed at 6’5 270 pounds with 34.75 inch long arms and 10 3/8 inch hands. Pierre Paul ran a 4.71 yard dash (at 270 pounds) with a 1.65 10 yard split. Rare size/speed combo.

I think after one full season in the N.F.L. and three games into the second season we can now shed the “Bust” part of boom or bust prospect. And just watch the dynamite explode.

On Sunday vs the Eagles Pierre Paul had 7 solo tackles (9 total) and 2.5 sacks, which gives him 4.5 sacks in the first three games of this season and 9 sacks in his last 9 games. (4.5 in his last six games last year and 4.5 in his first three games this year). He also deflected a ball in the red-zone right into the hands of Kenny Phillips for an interception, but Phillps dropped the ball.

Paul has shown early that he is a two way defensive end who can hold up his own vs the run ad well as rush the passer. He’s too long and fast for most offensive linemen and he also happens to be strong as well. He has a solid bull rush move, and when he doesn’t get to the Quarterback he can get his hands up and deflect passes at the line of scrimamge. He has been an absolute monster. The only question now is do the Giants regret not pulling the trigger on trading Osi Umeinyora in the off-season or does Osi Umeinyora regret getting “unnecessary surgery” in the off-season. Umeinyora is in a major contract dispute with the Giants, and the excellent play of Jason Pierre Paul isn’t helping his case. Pierre Paul has absolutely thrived playing nearly everydown, in fact he’s arguably better than Osi Umeniyora right now because of his ability to play the run as well as the pass. The sky is the limit for Pierre Paul and he has shown that he has the work ethic and physical talent to make himself into a very productive N.F.L. career.

Backflips

Sports Science Special

Home/NFL Draft