We’re back again breaking down prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, set to kick off on April 27th through the 29th. Our goal this season is to write reports on at least 150 players and hopefully, as many as 200. It will, of course, have a focus on Pittsburgh Steelers’ wants and needs but we will look big-picture too at the best players in this year’s draft.
If there’s a player you would like us to breakdown, let us know in the comments below.
#43 Chris Wormley/DE Michigan – 6’5″ 297
The Good:
– Extends arms well to keep blockers off his body
– Has a good motor and is willing to chase plays 20+ yards down the field
– Uses his size and strength well to anchor the line of scrimmage
– Comes out low with strong, power hips
– Works his way down the line of scrimmage
– Handles double teams by keeping low and maintaining his ground
– Stunts inside to create pressure, seems to get more leverage against guards and centers
– Can play both three or five tech
– Strong run defender.
The Bad:
– Doesn’t always get a quick first step across line, especially when facing quicker blockers
– Doesn’t have any refined pass rushing moves: can swim or bull rush, but more power than skill based
– Gets caught over pursuing and taking bad angles when rushing the quarterback outside
– Not overly athletic
Bio:
– Three year lettermen for the Wolverines
– Finished with 123 career tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and two pass deflections
– Started 30 games for the Wolverines, while playing in 51 games total
– Co-captain in 2016
– AP Division I All-Ohio first-team and co-Defensive Player of the Year as a senior
– High school lettermen in basketball and track and field
– Attended Toledo Whitmer High School
Tape Breakdown:
Wormley shows off his good motor and balance when he gets knocked down by a chip block, springs back up, and makes the tackle three yards downfield.
The defender works through the guard and center at the line of scrimmage to locate the ball carrier and bring him violently to the ground.
He gets his arms up to protect his body, reads the play well, and finds the back, and brings him down for a minimal gain.
Wormley exploded off the snap, got inside quickly, then over pursued but had more balance and speed than the blocker he was facing to finish off the quarterback.
Wormley is a better fit for the 3-4 that the Steelers run versus a 4-3 where his lack of pass rushing moves and quickness would be more of a factor. The beefy defender does a great job of holding his ground and forcing plays back inside which is what a five tech needs to do with some pass rushing power. The former Wolverine will need to improve his technique when coming after the signal caller, but can be a strong run stopper in year one.
Projection: Mid Day Two
Games Watched: at Florida State, at Ohio State, vs Wisconsin, vs Penn State, at Iowa, vs. Indiana
