Jason Pierre-Paul, DE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Decided to forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft on Jan. 6, 2010 … Breakout season with 45 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks … Named First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly … Named first team All-BIG EAST by the league's coaches, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and the Sporting News … Came into camp late, but didn't show any ill-effects on the field … Broke onto the national stage in win over Florida State when he had three tackles for loss, one sack, one force fumble and two quarterback hurries … Also had two tackles for loss in the next two games (Syracuse and Cincinnati) … Reeled in an interception and scored an 18-yard touchdown against Syracuse … Also had two sacks against Rutgers … Had two tackles for loss and one sack in his final collegiate game, the 2010 International Bowl … Led the team with seven quarterback hurries … Named the team's Rookie of the Year along with quarterback B.J. Daniels.

Five-star prospect at defensive end … Ranked sixth best junior college prospect according to Rivals.com … Amassed 49 tackles, 14 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery as a freshman at College of the Canyons … Earned first team All-WSC and All-America honors following his freshman season … Transferred to Fort Scott C.C. in Kansas after his freshman year … Teammate of fellow signee Jacquain Williams at Fort Scott … Finished his sophomore season with 70 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … Named Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 unassisted tackles, two tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in one game … Garnered first team All-Jayhawk and first team All-America honors following the 2008 season … Runs a 4.5 forty-yard dash … Chose USF over Florida, Miami, Florida State, Kansas State, Arizona and Nebraska and Oklahoma State … Majoring in interdisciplinary social sciences.