First Step: Explosive first step. At times he will be already shooting a gap and the offensive lineman hasn’t gotten out of his stance yet. Will be a problem for slower lineman defending the outside rush.
Bend: Not asked to run the arc. Was asked to attack the A and B gaps more often. Shows some of the requisite flexibility to be able to reasonably get around certain rush angles.
Hand Usage: Would do well to develop counter moves. The more he can keep blockers off him the better. The addition of a club/rip or 2 hand swipe would greatly improve his rush.
Pass Rush Plan: Usual pass rush plan consists of speed to power and bull rush when rushing on the inside. Play strength isn’t consistently overwhelming so the interior plan has varying results. When rushing from the outside, he uses speed and twitchy COD.
Motor/Effort/Physicality: Relentless rusher. Will get blocked initially, but still keeps his legs driving looking for the second effort sack.
Lateral Mobility: Has the mobility to jump gaps at the snap and change rush angles. Can beat tackles with a side to side stutter step.
Run Defense/Anchor: Can get moved in the run game. Can have problems anchoring when the run is directly at him and OL fires off the ball. Will get hung up on blocks at times.
Athletic Ability: Compact, twitchy, and explosive athlete. Not built for extensive movement in space or long speed.
Strength: Doesn’t have immediate power at the POA. His strength is generated through momentum more than explosive natural power. Can power through a rep with determination and leg drive.
Versatility: Has lined up in a 4i, some 3 tech. Can play as a stand up rusher due to his quick twitch first step. Looks best when attacking the edge, there his speed can’t be neutralized by close quarters combat.
Summary: Josh Paschal is a high energy, explosive player. Shows excellent burst at 6’3 278. Paschal is best suited as a designated pass rusher early on. Preferably in an even front where he isn’t tasked with battling with guards every rep. With some development of his hands and play strength, Paschal can be a 3 down defensive end.
Filed By: E.J Holt ACC Area Scout for Blue Chip Scouting
Twitter: @EJHolt_Draft