Jerel Worthy 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Our work is never finished here at Mocking the Draft as we are already looking to 2012.  The summer will feature a lot of prospect evaluations that we will build upon during the season.

Jerel Worthy
6'3, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Michigan State

First word: This past draft seen several defensive tackles rise up the draft board.  Jerel Worthy strikes me as the type of player that can have a break out season and end up in the early part of round 1.  The defensive tackle position is gaining growing importance especially guys that can both hold at the point and rush the passer.  Defensive coordinators are always on the look out for a player that can cause problems for the offense.

Worthy is a good athlete that possesses the size needed to be a versatile defensive lineman.  He has a quick first step and strong punch that helps him gain position over the offensive line.  His strength and strong lower half allows him to hold at the point and generate a push on the pocket.  At this point, Worthy's best attribute is his ability to occupy blockers and hold at the point of attack.

Watching Worthy play, I just don't see him making a ton of impact plays.  He is always engaged and tied up by a blocker and didn't show the ability to make plays away from his frame.  His lack of a pass rush also is concerning as defensive tackles are looked to more often to create pressure.

Overall, Worthy has the upside to warrant attention but he needs to make more impact plays.  He is high on lists because of his potential.

Bold statement: Worthy will be the first Michigan State player selected in the 1st round since Charles Rodgers in 2003.

Games viewed: FAU ('10), Iowa ('10), Wisconsin ('10)

Jerel Worthy
6'3, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Michigan State

Notes:

• Worthy has good ball awareness and a quick first step
• He fires off the football and delivers a strong jolt
  
• His has are routinely inside allowing him to control the blocker
• Worthy has a nice strong base that allows him to hold at the point of attack
• His strong leg drive allows him to get a good push on the pocket
• He does a nice job remaining on his feet due to his good balance
• Worthy's good balance is key to his ability to pursue the ball down the line of scrimmage
• Effort and focus do not appear to be an issue even when his team is trailing by a large number
• Worthy appears to always be engaged with an offensive lineman
• He struggles to keep clean as he penetrates the pocket and is often washed down the line
• His struggles disengaging result in him not making a lot of tackles
  
• Worthy is not much of a factor making plays away from his frame
• He has a hard time locating the football and over pursues leaving open cutback lanes
• Worthy doesn't offer much as a pass rusher
• He has good bulk but lacks great lower half thickness