Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea awaits the 2011 NFL Draft following his career-best effort as a senior.

In 2010, Paea logged 45 total tackles and 6.0 sacks. He produced 7.0 total sacks in the two previous seasons and was involved in 82 combined stops.

Strengths

• Raw strength - set NFL Scouting Combine record with 49 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press
• Stout against the run
• Build for plugging the middle (6-foot-1 1/4, 303 pounds)
• Good initial burst

• Stout run stuffer

  Regularly requires two blockers
• Hustles to the ball carrier
• Great leverage
• Explosive tackler in short range
• Plays through pain and injury
• High level of effort
• Respected team leader

Weaknesses

• Not much of a pass rusher
• Lacks lateral agility
• Doesn't disengage very well - needs to improve his hands
• Recovering from knee surgery in January
• Lacks system versatility - strictly a 4-3 tackle

Expected draft placement

Paea's raw strength and robust stature should make him a late first-round pick or early second-rounder in April's draft. He could draw interest as early as the Indianapolis Colts (No. 22), but we feel the Cleveland Browns (No. 37) could use their second-round choice on him if the team misses out on a prominent first-round option at the position.