Next up is Jack Pyburn, the defensive end transfer from Florida.
WHAT WE KNOW: Defensive end and wide receiver were the two positions LSU targeted most urgently. Nic Anderson and Barion Brown were immediate talent upgrades at wide receiver, each filling a different role. The same goes for Jimari Butler, Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn at defensive end.
Pyburn was a three-star recruit when he signed at Florida in 2022. He originally committed to Minnesota, but as his senior season progressed he drew interest from Auburn and Florida State before pledging to Florida.
He was already 6-foot-3 and 260 lbs., when he signed. He tips the scales at about 265 these days.
He’s taken a very traditional route to the field. He did not see action in September of 2022 but played in the final eight games.
He was a reserve in 2023, and he earned a starting role in 2024. But that role was specific. He was a run stopper.
He started the final eight games of the 2024 season and accumulated 60 tackles (20 solo), four tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.
He’s physical, and he’s intense. Pyburn is a bit of a wild man on the defensive side of the ball, and that’s okay. Every defense needs a little bit of that.
First impression of new LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn: not afraid to strike a block! pic.twitter.com/R1uyvj5MZH
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 16, 2024
He has not been much of a pass rusher in his three years. He was been credited with one sack and zero hurries officially as a junior.
Pro Football Focus graded Pyburn over 60 against the run in every game and over 75 three different times. Conversely, he has eight pass rush grades under 60 and just two over 70. He also had six tackling grades over 76. That’s superb.
Cam Jackson, one man wrecking crew…
Jack Pyburn, not far behind. pic.twitter.com/BYMNbf9p16— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) November 27, 2024
THE FIT: The word is that Pyburn wants to play on more third downs and have more opportunities to rush the passer. Whether or not LSU promised him that remains to be seen.
Touchdown set up by strip sack from Jack. Pyburn recovered by Robinson! 😤😤😤💯🤝🏾🐊👑 pic.twitter.com/jdBlL7HI84
— Steven Harris #93 (@FAMOGANG365) December 1, 2024
He’s got a point. Pass rushers get paid. Pyburn is in his NFL money year, and he hasn’t shown he can do it. He has shown he can stick people in the run game, and that’s his greatest strength. When you look at Patrick Payton, he’s built to get after the passer.
Pyburn likely starts because he’s more of an every down end. He’ll have to compete with Payton, Butler, Gabriel Reliford, Dylan Carpenter and Damien Shanklin for those privileges.
He and Butler are the most physically imposing of the group that has gone from a hole in the roster to a group with depth and diverse skillsets.
HUNT’S PROJECTION: I think Pyburn is going to pay a ton, because I think he’s the most proven run stopper on the team. I think he’s going to make 50-65 more tackles and make quite a few plays behind the line of scrimmage.
I’m not ready to say he’s going to tally 8-to-10 sacks. I’m not ready to say he’s guaranteed to play on third downs. Payton is going to be out there, and other spot will be hotly contested. Maybe Pyburn can play a little bit on the inside in LSU’s “Prowler” package designed to get more speed on the field.
I do think he’ll finish with more than one sack. We’ll call it three. But a fierce, run-stopping edge player always has a place on the field, especially at 265 lbs. This is a quality add by LSU.
