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Anthony Zettel, DL Penn State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

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Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) leaps in front of Buffalo Bulls quarterback Joe Licata (16) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Buffalo 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Penn State University has developed a respectable lineage of NFL players over the past few decades. Names such as LaVar Arrington, NaVorro Bowman, Franco Harris, Jack Ham, and more. The institution has taken a hit lately from the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky fiasco. PSU quarterback Christian Hackenburg is pretty much the attention grabber at the school but there are still some worthy players to look at for the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft. One of those players is defensive lineman Anthony Zettel. Here is a breakdown of the Nittany Lion lineman.

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Anthony Zettel, DL, Penn State

Height: 6’3

Weight: 280 lbs

2015 stats: 42 total tackles, 10 TFLs, three sacks, five pass deflections, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery

Strengths: Entered the Penn State program in 2012 as a defensive end and played there his first two seasons in Happy Valley…..Totaled 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his first season at DT (2014)….Athletic ability from being a DE is easily seen when he engages centers/guards….Shows versatility at the 3 and 5 tech….Uses an arsenal of pass rushing moves such as a swim and an effective spin move….Showcases a motor and rarely giving up on plays….Shows effective read and react ability, monitoring the location of the ball…Last two seasons at PSU as a DT totaled 84 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three INTs, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Weaknesses: Even at 280 pounds, needs to beef up another 20 pounds roughly…..At times, plays a bit high which doesn’t help as he is outweighed by 20 or 30 pounds on most occasions….Short arms….Will be somewhat a liability against speedy running backs.

Bottom line: Zettel started off as a 250 pound defensive end during his freshmen season in Happy Valley and has successfully made the transition to defensive tackle. Adding on a considerable amount of weight as well as learning how to play with that weight, may have enhanced Zettel’s professional career. Although I don’t see Zettel has a weekly NFL starter because of his weight limitations at the moment, Zettel can carve out a niche as a solid rotational guy with possible spot duty as a starter. A scrappy defensive tackle with lingering defensive end traits will help him some. Coaching staffs should be patient with Zettel and utilize him as a piece to a puzzle.

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