Over the weekend, South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said he hadn’t made up his mind yet as to whether or not he would return to the Bulls for a second season.
That stance changed over the past three or days or so, the St. Petersburg Times is reporting, as Pierre-Paul informed head coach Jim Leavitt that he will make himself available for the NFL draft.
“I think it’s a decision you’ve got to make,” Leavitt said. “I was encouraging him. He’s been a great kid, and it’s hard to look at a young man and tell him to stay.”
According to some draft analysts, the raw but talented defensive lineman is a lock to be taken in the first round.
And, as a public service, we’ll provide you with a link — HERE — to see what underclassmen Pierre-Paul has joined in leaving school early.
NFLdraftcountdown.com has the Raiders selecting him with their #1 draft pick based on his physical skills (you know how Al Davis likes drafting based on a players physical skill and combine workouts).
So as long a college kid can run like the wind and look like Zeus at the combines the Raiders will ALWAYS draft based on that alone REGARDLESS of whether the kid can actually play football or not (Jamarcus Russell anyone?).
Then again Al Davis won’t live forever OR WILL HE?
Here is NFLDraftCountdown.com’s justification for the Raiders drafting him at the #7 Position (BTW I am more of a Russell Okung OT/OSU fan, but most likely won’t last until #7):
It’s common knowledge that the Oakland Raiders are infatuated with Workout Warriors and last year’s selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey with the #7 overall pick simply reaffirmed that notion. If a prospect possesses a freakish blend of size, speed and athleticism there is a good chance that Al Davis will be targeting him. Despite the acquisition of Richard Seymour the Raiders could still use another pass rusher and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul looks like a prospect who is right in Davis’ wheelhouse. This was only Pierre-Paul’s first season of Division I football after transferring in from the JUCO ranks but he wasted no time asserting himself as one of the country’s most feared pass rushers and a top pro prospect. An amazing athlete with rare burst and explosiveness, Pierre-Paul checks in at 6-6 and 260 pounds, has extremely long arms and reportedly runs a 4.6 forty. That sound you hear is Mr. Davis salivating. Although still very raw there is simply no denying Pierre-Paul’s natural talent and unlimited upside, which is why he could ultimately carry a grade similar to that of Aaron Maybin. “JPP” might be a slight reach in the Top 10 but that has never deterred Davis in the past and if history has taught us anything it’s to error on the side of the best workout numbers when it comes to the Raiders. Other possibilities for Oakland could include an offensive tackle, a cornerback, a linebacker or perhaps even a quarterback. Even though safety isn’t really a need don’t completely rule out Southern Cal’s Taylor Mays since he too fits the Davis/Raider profile to a tee.
Wow,
You will be missed JPP. Good luck in the NFL.
When will USF be announcing Jim Leavitt’s departure that is 3 years over due?
The time for USF to rise above Leavitt’s standard of mediocrity is here.
Fire Jim Leavitt now!
The Raiders don’t have a #1 pick. They traded it for Richard Seymour.