Jack Pyburn Scouting Report

Jack Pyburn is a versatile, high-motor defensive lineman who relies on his strength and power to be an impactful player.

Draft Grade: Round 4 - Developmental Traits

Strengths:

Alignment/Position-Versatile: Pyburn has the overall mass and length to play multiple alignments and positions along the defensive front. Pyburn could be asked to set the edge on the perimeter or penetrate the gaps as an IDL. 

High Motor: Pyburn is a high-effort player who works through the whistle as a pass rusher. Against the run, he will pursue plays backside and also chase ball carriers down the field to make the tackle.

Run Defense: Pyburn does a good job of setting the edge on runs with an outside track and forcing the ball carrier back inside to the flow of the defense. He can lock out offensive linemen and shed them to make the tackle.

Strength: Pyburn has good overall functional strength, which allows him to hold the point of attack in the run game. Pyburn also utilizes this strength as a pass rusher to bull rush or use a speed-to-power maneuver to win. 

Concerns:

Lower-Body Tightness: Pyburn appears to have lower-body tightness, which limits his movement skills. Pyburn struggles to quickly turn the corner as a pass rusher to get to the quarterback. Pyburn also has issues redirecting to the flow of the play and staying in pursuit of the ball carrier.

Pass-Rush Repertoire + Plan: Pyburn's direct way to win is utilizing power, whether that's speed-to-power or a straight bull rush. Pyburn needs to develop counter moves to be a more effective pass rusher.

Limited Sack Production: Through his four-year career, Pyburn has amassed just three sacks. That may be an indicator that Pyburn’s projection to the NFL will be primarily as a run defender and not as a player who will be relied upon to get sacks.