Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
Yhonzae Pierre |
|
Position |
Edge Rusher (EDGE) |
|
Number |
0 (formerly 42) |
|
Class |
Redshirt Junior |
|
School |
Alabama |
|
Height / Weight |
6’3″ / 253 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Eufaula, Ala. / Eufaula HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Performance & Pass Rush Production
|
**Season** |
**Team** |
**G** |
**Tackles** |
**TFL** |
**Sacks** |
**FF** |
|
2023 |
Alabama |
— |
**Redshirt** |
— |
— |
— |
|
2024 |
Alabama |
11 |
6 |
0.5 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 |
Alabama |
15 |
52 |
14.5 |
8.0 |
3 |
|
**Total** |
26 |
58 |
15 |
8 |
3 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic verified twitch traits and premium short-area closing burst.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.54 – 4.65s
- Vertical Jump: 35.5″ – 37.5″
- Broad Jump: 10’2″ – 10’6″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25 – 4.38s
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 – 7.18s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Pierre entered the Alabama program as a highly decorated, blue-chip consensus four-star recruit out of Eufaula High School, where he dominated the Alabama 6A classification with 23 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks as a senior. After navigating a developmental redshirt season in 2023 and working deep inside a loaded edge rotation in 2024, Pierre completely exploded onto the national radar as a redshirt sophomore in 2025.
Blossoming into the structural focal point of the Crimson Tide’s pass rush, he appeared in all 15 games with 12 starts, racking up 52 total tackles and a team-high 14.5 tackles for loss alongside 8 sacks. His relentless pursuit paths also produced a team-leading 9 quarterback hurries and 3 forced fumbles. Heading into the 2026 season as a redshirt junior leader, Pierre enters the evaluation cycle as one of the country’s preeminent tier-one edge prospects.
Key Strengths
- Elite First-Step Linear Explosion: Possesses premium snap anticipation and high-end acceleration out of his stance, routinely challenging an offensive tackle’s vertical pass set from the jump.
- Polished, Violent Counter Mechanics: Displays excellent hand-fighting habits and timing; weaponizes an effective chop-dip-rip package that keeps his chest frame clean from blockers.
- High-Frequency Ball Production: Highly instinctive when collapsing the pocket architecture, demonstrating the presence of mind to target the quarterback’s arm to enforce turnovers (3 forced fumbles in 2025).
- Exceptional Short-Area Lateral Range: Shows light, active feet to cleanly squeeze down space on zone-read anchors or track down ball carriers out to the perimeter boundaries.
Developmental Focus
While Pierre fields an incredibly dynamic, explosive pass-rushing baseline, pro scouts will track his down-by-down anchor consistency in the run game during his redshirt junior year. At 253 pounds, he will occasionally face challenges against heavy, double-teaming SEC offensive lines on direct down-blocks and interior gap schemes. Continuing to refine his lower-body leverage points and bulk distribution will ensure he can consistently hold the edge without ceding physical ground.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*