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Mr. Fixit
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TheCoolFan;3859797 said:Paea is too small for the 3-4. Too bad because I'm a huge fan. Plus, I still think he could be a 1st rounder or early 2nd at the least, even after the knee injury
Wouldn't say he's too small, he will be heavier than Rat and Rat has been the best NT in the game 2 out of the past 3 years.
No denying that Paea, like Rat, is best suited for a one gapping scheme, but I wouldn't say he is too small for a 3-4.
There are many NTs as lauded or less who came into the league at a similar height and/or weight and have been successful. Casey Hampton is the same height (6'1) and weighed less than 315 at the combine. Hampton is now over 335 lbs. Rubin is 1.5 inches taller but not nearly as strong or as quick. Kelly Gregg was the Ravens' NT for many years and is shorter than Paea and nowhere as strong, or as quick. Gregg came into the league at barely over 300 lbs. He still only plays at 320. Again all these examples are 3-4 NTs.
And like those guys, Paea's forte is stopping the run. His low center of gravity allows him to get under the OLs pads and gain leverage, if he is not running by the guys in front of him. Paea is both stronger and more explosive, and like Russell Maryland (6'1 310) is a great character guy with amazing work ethic and plays to the whistle and while hurt.

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