School: Alabama

Class: RS Senior

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 292 pounds

Positives

Hand Usage: Stinson consistently gets proper hand placement in the torso of opposing lineman on nearly every snap. Both in the run game and when pass rushing, he flashes such ability. As a pass rusher, he also shows the ability to slash a lineman’s arms away, then proceed to attack the short opportunity that he has created for himself to close the pocket. When defending the run, Stinson flashes the same ability to shed blocks and take down the ball carrier.

Run Defense: As stated previously, Stinson sheds blocks rather efficiently. In one-on-one situations, this enables him to make the play for himself. Although, when there is another blocker awaiting, Stinson flows well to them, and executes successfully in the same fashion. If he is forced to handle a double team, he firmly holds his ground. In some cases, he even moves himself just far enough to plug a running lane or force the ball carrier elsewhere. Just as he did at Alabama, Stinson will thrive at the point of attack.

Negatives

Underwhelming Athleticism: Despite being a sound technician, Stinson will not win with athleticism. Technique is important to have, but one can only go so far as an interior defensive lineman without athleticism. His explosiveness off of the snap and general short area quickness is nonexistent. Once he disengages, he is sluggish to pounce on the ball carrier. In space, Stinson’s movement speed and ability is average, if that. In regards to taking on blocks, Stinson will only win with hand usage. Stinson does not have a monstrous upper body, nor does he generate much power by driving his legs. As a whole, Stinson has no way of winning any play with his athleticism. Most of Stinson's problems and restrictions root from his athleticism, or lack thereof.

NFL Comparison: Tyson Jackson, Kansas City Chiefs

Jackson flashes more athleticism, but the way that they both play the run draws the comparison. In the Chiefs system, Jackson is a solid run stuffer, just as Stinson was at Alabama. Do not expect Stinson to dominate as a rusher, just as one would not expect Jackson to.

Draft Outlook

Stinson’s lack of athleticism and versatility will hurt him, but he will get drafted. His run stuffing ability has a place in the NFL, although, maybe not as a starter. The most realistic foretelling of Stinson’s draft weekend situation is that he gets drafted in the fifth or sixth round, which is fair, and will become a depth run defender. With work, he could end up as a low-end starting defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Best Fits

The New Orleans Saints could be looking to add Stinson as a fresh replacement for defensive end Tom Johnson, who, as of now, is a restricted free agent that may not be back.

In need of depth at defensive end, the Washington Redskins may have their late rounds hopes set on Stinson. He would likely be cheaper than any decent free agent signing.