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So You've Signed Louis Trinca-Pasat: A New Owner's Guide

Congratulations! You've just made the wonderful decision to draft sign Louis Trinca-Pasat! Like most new LTP owners, you're no doubt filled with questions about your new family member. We here at BHGP will try our best to answer any questions you might have.

By RossWB
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

HELLO ST LOUIS

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT LOUIS TRINCA-PASSAT?

Trinca-Pasat, or LTP as Iowa fans called him, wasn't the flashiest player, but he was productive -- especially as a senior.  LTP was a steady performer early in his career, but his production took a massive step forward as a senior, amassing 69 total tackles.  He had 11.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks.  In other words, he did a damn fine job of getting after the quarterback and setting up shop in the opposing backfield.  LTP and fellow defensive tackle Carl Davis (drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round yesterday) proved to be a very compatible unit at defensive tackle and that adaptability is another one of LTP's strong suits: he's not a freak athlete, but he is good at fitting into a defensive scheme.

WHAT DID HE DO THAT WAS SO GREAT?

As noted above, he was just very productive, especially as a senior.  In his second year as a starter, Trinca-Pasat just seemed like a much comfortable player and that translated into increased stats across the board.  He was particularly good at getting into the backfield and harassing quarterbacks (6.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries), but he also held up against the run pretty well, too.  LTP isn't particularly big (which we'll get to below), but he packs quite a bit of strength and power into that package, as well as a good deal of speed.

STATS

YEAR GAMES SOLO ASSIST TOTAL SACKS/YDS TFL/YDS FF FR PASS DEF INT/YDS
2011 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 12 19 21 40 0 4/12 0 1 1 0
2013 13 18 20 38 1/1 8/12 0 1 2 0
2014 13 29 40 69 6.5/46 11.5/53 0 0 3 0
TOTAL 39 66 82 148 7.5/47 23.5/77 0 2 6 0

HOW ARE HIS PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES?

This is when the red flags start appearing and his is why Trinca-Pasat was an undrafted free agent rather than an actual draft pick.  At 6-1, he's definitely a bit undersized for an NFL defensive tackle and at 290, he's not particularly big, either.  He has short arms with fairly small hands and isn't the most fluid athlete, either.  He does have decent speed, as well as better-than-average power for a guy his size.

NFL COMBINE

HEIGHT WEIGHT ARM HAND 1ST 40-YARD 2ND 40-YARD 40-YARD OFFICIAL
6'1" 290 31 7/8" 10 1/8" 4.96 DNP 4.96
10-YARD DASH BENCH VERTICAL BROAD 3-CONE SHUTTLE 60-YARD
DNP DNP 32" 105" 7.40 4.30 DNP

PRO DAY RESULTS

WHAT ABOUT THE BAD?

Scroll up and read the physical attributes section again.  He was productive in college, but translating that production to the NFL ranks could be challenging.  Bigger, stronger offensive linemen with long arms could be able to keep him at bay and neutralize his pass-rushing ability.  It's not clear where he fits on an NFL defensive line, either.  He might not have the size to play defensive tackle, but he might not have the quickness to play defensive end.

WAS THIS A GOOD SIGNING?

In the right system, yes.  St. Louis is an intriguing landing spot for LTP.  They play a 4-3 defense, which suits LTP -- ultimately his best shot at sticking in the NFL is as one member of a DT tandem in a 4-3 scheme.  They're also loaded with talent along the defensive line, which is a mixed blessing for LTP.  On one hand, there won't be any pressure on him to contribute immediately (not that there would be much pressure on him anyway, as an undrafted free agent).  On the other hand, roster spots (let alone playing time) will be at an absolute premium.  Still, LTP is a hard worker and an intelligent player who can produce in right defensive scheme.  Hopefully he gets a chance to impress during training camp.