2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Stephen Paea

Strengths:
  • Muscular build and wide frame
  • Very athletic and agile
  • Quick and effective initial punch
  • Great athlete, former rugby player
  • Solid bull rusher
  • Run stopper who holds his ground
  • Hustler with high motor
  • Scheme versatility, possible 3-4 nose



    Weaknesses:
  • Height is not ideal
  • Not a diverse pass rusher
  • Tore lateral meniscus at Senior Bowl

    Summary: Stephen Paea came to America as a teenager and only played one season of high school football. He took the junior college route before spending three seasons with the Beavers. This is a long-winded way to say he is still a work in progress with upside. His positives far outweigh the negatives at this point although he did have a knee issue at Snow Community College in 2008 and just suffered one at the Senior Bowl.

    Player Comparison: Sedrick Ellis. Height concerns were also raised for Ellis coming out of USC, but he has been a productive pro for the Saints. Both players are penetrating disruptors of the running game with the ability to shed blockers. Paea didn’t have the luxury of playing on an NFL defense like Ellis did on the Trojans.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg’s | Walt’s


    2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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