With the 53rd pick, the Cincinnati Bengals decided that it was time to find a force on the defensive line. They may have found that man in Jerel Worthy.
Once considered a first round pick, Worthy’s stock began to slip after a mediocre Junior season with the Spartans. Worthy only recorded 3.5 sacks and wasn’t nearly the run-stuffer he had been before.
Nevertheless, the Bengals deemed Worthy’s potential to be too high to pass on. Worthy doesn’t have a ton of great tape to his name, but he has great size at 6’3″, 315 pounds.
With the Bengals’ lack of depth on the defensive line, there’s a solid chance that Worthy could start in his rookie season. While I do believe he will struggle to begin, Worthy shouldn’t take long to fully learn Cincinnati’s defense.
Set to turn 22 years old— tomorrow, in fact— Worthy has all the keys to be a dominant defensive tackle. Worthy can also play defensive end, which will give the Bengals even more flexibility next season.
The Bengals are set to pick 83rd overall in the third round tonight. Expect them to target a wide receiver, safety or running back.
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