2018 NFL Draft: New York Jets 7-round mock draft in mid-December

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 07: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish pressures Chazz Surratt #12 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

At 6-6, 310 pounds, Tillery is small for an NFL nose tackle, but that’s ok. Typically a nose tackle is in the 330-350 range in weight, but his size isn’t an issue, because he brings a lot to the table that the Jets need.

He’s strong enough to handle one-on-one matchups with centers, but his athleticism sets him apart. Nose tackles are usually there to eat up blocks to allow linebackers to clean up on the running backs, but Tillery is athletic enough to get into the backfield himself, both to attack the run and attack the quarterback.

Adding Tillery could also help the production of Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson, because offenses will have to double team him occasionally to keep him out of the backfield. That’s how you not only add an effective player, but make the stars around him more effective.

In 2017, Tillery has recorded four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. He’s been a disruptive force for the Fighting Irish defense. His presence would help the defense all around, and he’s a perfect fit for the front seven.

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