[Remember to check the '2010 NFL Draft' section for all stories relating to the draft.]
As we continue our Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile series let's look at one of those boom or bust players who provide a glimpse of why the draft is such a crap-shoot.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida.
I don't truly understand it, but there are still a healthy number of mock drafts out there showing Pierre-Paul going to the Giants with the 15th pick of the first round -- if not earlier.
To me this is a tremendously raw "project" type of player who would fit either a) with a defensively stacked team that could afford to wait a year for him to develop, or b) with a bottom-feeder type team willing to gamble that Pierre-Paul will turn his potential into production after a year or two.
The Giants don't fit either of those categories. Let's take a closer look, anyway, and figure out what all the fuss is about.
Jason Pierre-Paul Scouting Reports
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.
Pierre-Paul possesses good speed and explosiveness at the snap. Combine that with his excellent size, and Pierre-Paul has the makings of a difference maker at the next level. ... Quickness/Explosion: This is what makes Pierre-Paul such a highly sought after player. He can fire out of his stance with ease to get around the corner.
Pierre-Paul is somewhat of an enigma of a defensive end. He’s highly regarded as a pass rusher, but only managed 6.5 sacks in 2009. He’s extremely inexperienced and has the makings of being a player who has to wait and learn for a season before making an impact.
From DraftAce.
A physical freak of nature. Has elite size/speed combination. Has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher at the next level.
Very, very raw. ... Doesn't have a wide range of pass rush techniques; relies on the speed rush. Tackling technique is questionable; uses his arms and doesn't always wrap guys up. Strength is marginal considering his size; could add 10-15 pounds of muscle.
There is no question that Pierre-Paul has the tools to be a truly dominant lineman in the NFL. However, he is far too raw to warrant a high pick. As a rookie he will be a very one-dimensional player. While he may be a decent pass rusher, at this point in time he would get pushed around at the NFL level in running situations.
Why Pierre-Paul fits with the Giants
Because guys with the potential to be great pass rushers are not easy to find. It's the same argument for why the Giants should try to find a way to make peace with Osi Umenyiora. The other thing to consider is that with Osi unhappy and Mathias Kiwanuka a free agent in two seasons the Giants will need a pass-rushing defensive end eventually.
Why the Giants should pass
Primarily cecause this guy is a huge risk. He could be great, but he could also be Vernon Gholston. Our friends at Mocking The Draft have started a 'Bust-O-Meter' as part of their draft coverage. I think it is telling that Pierre-Paul was the first player run through the 'Bust-O-Meter.'
Wrote MTD:
Pierre- Paul has a lot of physical talent and proved that with his impressive work at the combine but this prospect doesn’t come without concerns. Pierre- Paul only has 1 year of major college football experience and that is a cause for concern. It’s been an epidemic in the NFL that organizations ignore production and focus on the athletic abilities. This strategy has hurt franchises more often than not. I think Pierre- Paul's bust potential is higher due to where he is projected to be selected. There is a lot of people projecting him in the top ten and that’s a dangerous position to select an unproven prospect.
I will add to that my opinion that the Giants have too many needs, especially defensively, to take a player in the first round who would be unlikely to help them much in 2010.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)