The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Skinny: An imposing force in the middle of the defensive line, Paea is a disruptive presence, capable of rushing the passer and wreaking havoc in the backfield. When you talk about brute strength, search no further than the Tonga native—Paea will most likely break the NFL Scouting Combine bench press record (45 reps) come February. His rugby background shows up in his agility.

SCOUT'S TAKE

The former rugby player’s transition to football’s defensive line (he played just one year of high school football) has been incredibly smooth, and not just because of his physical skills. Paea has an uncanny understanding of leverage and how to move bodies backwards when engaged. When he is on his game it’s almost as if the offensive lineman is on roller skates…that’s how dominant the junior college transfer can be. The All-Pac-10 performer also has incredible natural strength, giving him a lethal bull rush, swim and rip moves. He is powerful tackler (four forced fumbles) and incredibly strong (44 reps of 225 pounds). OSU uses wide splits on their defensive line and moves Paea around—he lines up on the right side and the left side.  He also showed the ability to play on the inside shoulder of the guard, as well as the outside shoulder. Provided his knees check out, he should be a lock for the first round due to his motor, dedication, athleticism, production and potential.

NEWS

12/09/10 - Oregon State senior defensive tackle Stephen Paea has been named the Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Paea has also received an invite to play in the Senior Bowl after leading the Beavers with six sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. Currently ranked as the top defensive tackle prospect in the nation, according to NFL Draft Bible, Paea aims to break the bench press record at the NFL Scouting Combine.

11/26/10 - As we wind down to the conclusion of the college football season, one of the fast-risers moving up NFL draft boards around the league is Oregon State senior defensive tackle Stephen Paea, currently ranked No. 1 at his position on the NFL Draft Bible big board, which includes draft eligible underclassmen. A native of Tonga, Paea seriously considered opting for the NFL Draft a year ago but ultimately decided he was not quite ready to make the jump. "I knew I wasn't ready. I had things I wanted to work on.” Casey said. “When I go to the NFL, I want to start. I don't want to play behind someone else." The 6’1, 295-pound workout warrior has high aspirations in his preparation for the 2011 NFL Draft evaluation process, most notably showing off his pure brute strength.  It was this YouTube video that some might say put Paea on the map, as he almost effortlessly bench pressed 225 pounds 44 times. The most reps posted at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2000 is 45, recorded by Mitch Petrus (Arkansas) and Mike Kudla (Ohio State). In 1999, Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest put up 51 reps. "I'm sure I can do better than that," Paea said. "That was right after a workout." While bench press numbers have very little to do with draft stock value, it will certainly be one of the more interesting drills to watch when Paea steps into the weight room in Indianapolis.

10/07/10 - The 6-foot-1-inch, 311-pound Stephen Paea became a YouTube sensation when video showed him bench-pressing 225 pounds 44 times - and that was when he was tired after a workout. The NFL combine record is 45 (since 2000). Paea might be the strongest player, at any position, in the sport. He can squat 600 pounds, bench-press 500 and run a 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds. Paea, who still plays rugby for fun in the off-season, had 11 tackles-for-loss and five sacks as a sophomore in 2008, and 8.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks last season. He received the Morris Trophy, a Pac-10 defensive award voted on by offensive linemen. His NFL draft flirtation yielded assurances of a late second- or early third-round selection, but he decided to return for his senior season. – Arizona Daily Star

09/08/10 - There was a smattering of NFL scouts out at Reser Stadium today.  The Bears, Bills, and 49ers were in attendance, but there looked to be a couple more who weren't displaying their allegiances. The pro guys roamed the field for most of practice, but not surprisingly, focused their attention on Stephen Paea.  The Chicago scout seemed to be the most interested - barely moving from his spot in front of D-Line drills. Paea is projected as a likely first rounder in next year's draft, so he's used to the attention, and said it doesn't effect him, but he'll be glad if it helps out his teammates. "Yeah I see them but I try to ignore the fact that they're here and just try to improve.  [That's] the reason why I'm here at practice - to get better everyday," says Paea.  "For the other veteran players here [it's nice to be] under a spotlight, under the microscope for those [scouts]." – ABC

04/26/10 - Oregon State DT Stephen Paea: The most dominant defensive player in the conference — best DL prospect since Haloti Ngata? — who happens to play one of the most valuable positions. Cannot be blocked one-on-one. Can lift small buildings. The best early guess is he goes in the top 10 or 15. – Mercury News

4/11/10 - Oregon State senior DT Stephen Paea is being called the best DT in the Pac-10. He was chosen by opposing conference offensive linemen to receive the prestigious Morris Trophy as the top player at his position. Over the past two seasons Paea (6'1-310) has 19,5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks despite constantly facing double team blocking. He has bench pressed 225 pound 44 times. The record at the NFL Combine is 45 reps. He should break that next year in Indianapolis as he'll prepare for the 2011 NFL Draft. – NewOrleans.com

01/12/10 - Oregon State's Stephen Paea has decided against declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft, according to OSU. The junior defensive tackle asked the NFL to evaluate his draft status if he gave up his final college season to turn pro. The deadline to make his decision is Friday. A 6-foot-1, 285-pounder with strength, speed and agility, Paea had 43 tackles, three quarterback sacks and an OSU-record four forced fumbles last season.