Eagles 2012 Draft Prospect: Michigan State Defensive Tackle Jerel Worthy

The defensive tackle position is one that the Eagles seem to have a lot of interest in. Many are projecting the Eagles to take one in the first round. However, we all know that the Eagles like to surprise everyone, so there is no guarantee.

One defensive tackle they may have their eye on is Jerel Worthy out of Michigan State who has decided to skip his senior season and enter this year’s draft.

At 6-2 and 310 pounds, Worthy is a thick player lining up in the middle. He had a very impressive season in 2010 before his numbers declined in 2011. Although a lot of people were disappointed in the numbers he put up last year, it is also noted that his role in the Spartan’s defense was a bit different.

After being a relentless attacker in the middle, Worthy was forced to be more of an anchor in the middle as he attracted more double teams.

It’s not hard to notice the explosiveness Worthy can have when his mission is to penetrate into the backfield as quickly as he can. He has a great first steps and has the ability to blow up gaps and be extremely disruptive.

When he does get doubled, he tends to be pretty unproductive. However, whenever you can draw a double team, it allows for other players on the defense to step up and make plays.

One of the things I liked most about Worthy was the way he rushes the passer. If he doesn’t shoot the gap immediately, he has an effective swim move he uses to get by blockers and also uses a spin move at times.

Although he can be dominant at times, I think he needs to improve his hand work to get more consistent. He seems to have the tendency to just try to push blockers when they get on him square and fails to use his hands effectively.

Worthy can make a lot of plays during a game that are very impressive, but he also seems to fall into lulls at times where he seemingly disappears.

Worthy’s draft projections seem to vary a decent amount. Many project him to go late in the first round, but there seem to be a number of people who think he can fall into the second round as well.

The Eagles are they type of team who have shown that they aren’t shy about trading back if they don’t value a player enough with they pick they are at. Worthy would be the type of player they could safely trade back for and pick up an additional pick.

I think the Eagles may have a higher grade on a guy like Worthy because of how he would fit their system. He has the ability to be a disruptive pass rusher, and I think the Eagles will value that.

If the 15th pick comes up and the Eagles do trade back, I would keep an eye on Worthy.

Original Article from Birdsfan.com by Mike Burke