2012 Scouting Report: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Jerel Worthy is a powerful defensive tackle for Michigan State. Worthy is a potential first round pick here is his scouting report. You can click here for all of our other scouting reports, which will all be updated continuously between now and the draft.

Measurables

6’2, 308 pounds, 33″ arms, 9 3/8″ hands

5.08 forty yard dash, 28.5″ vertical, 107″  broad jump, 7.60 3 cone drill, 4.56 20 yard shuttle

Stats

2011 Season:

Career:

Games: 31

Tackles: 87

TFL: 21

Sacks: 10.5

 NFLmocks Preseason Scouting report/bio

Big defensive tackle prospect who is already being regarded as one of the top defensive players in the class of 2012. Big body in the middle who is very athletic and can make plays in the backfield. Stats do not jump off the screen, but he is a guy who commands a double team on every single play, and he is very disruptive. In two years, he has 77 tackles, eight sacks, and 13 tackles for loss. Very explosive player who is an excellent athlete with great quickness. In college, you are always looking for guys to “break out” and Worthy is definitely a candidate to do just that. Probably an ideal fit to play in a four man front in the NFL, and it’s possible that he could be a top ten pick if he comes out this year. Needs to work on using his upper body strength and arms to disengage from blocks instead of simply sparring with the offensive lineman that takes him on. He has the physical tools, but needs to use his hands better against powerful offensive linemen, which could attribute to his lack of elite level statistics despite his raw ability. Has top ten potential, but right now, needs more time.

Pros:

Great initial quickness

Very strong at point of attack

Very violent hand usage

Vocal Team Leader

Shows up in Big Games

Can move down the Offensive line very well to get to Running backs

 Has a good motor and stays on the field almost all the time

Does a good job of occupying blockers and can be disruptive
Cons:

Can disappear for long periods of time (seeing too many snaps?)

Struggles to disengage from double teams

Where’s the production?

Needs to improve his technique

Not a guy who plays really well in space

A guy who creates more pressure than sacks

Player Comparison:           Tommie Harris

Round Projection:               Late first, but more likely mid to late 2nd round

Summary:

orthy has had a very productive three years at Michigan State, though not great consistent production for a potential first round pick.  I compared Worthy to Tommie Harris based upon their under tackle position.  Worthy is a master at quickly collapsing the pocket and making the offensive line focus on him.  While his stats are not elite, mostly due to lack of talent around him, he makes offenses account for him.  Also his leadership and work ethic should be commended.  He is largely responsible for MSU ascension from a 5-6 win team to 8-10 wins. Worthy needs to work on his technique and bring a consistent day in and day out focus to excel in the N.F.L

Video

Jerel Worthy vs Wisconsin

Jerel Worthy in 2010