Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 mock draft, Vol. 2
By Peter Smith
Round 2: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame – 6-7, 305lbs (Listed)
- 25 solo tackles (4.8 percent), 9 tackles for loss (16.5 percent), 4.5 sacks (18.7 percent), 1 forced fumble in 2017.
The depth of this defensive line class, particularly defensive tackle is astounding and the fact a player like Jerry Tillery could be staring them in the face in the second round is a testament to that fact. Tillery has an enormous frame and he’s shown impressive quickness and power. In the past two seasons, he’s shown an aptitude to make plays in the backfield.
His length, power and quickness are a consistent problem. Tillery is able to get off the ball quickly, generate power and then his arms are so long that he can initiate and then dictate the contact, to create openings for him to beat the block and attack the ball carrier.
Going to the NFL, Tillery will have to adjust to how much stronger opponents are when it comes to his club and long arm. They’ll be far better equipped to get his arms off, then get into his body and take control. Tillery will have to keep getting stronger and develop effective counters. The fact he has such a big frame leaves room for him to continue adding muscle and maximize his body.
Tillery is incredibly difficult to solo block and he’s got pretty good quickness in the direction his hips are facing. When he gets a head of steam, his sheer size and that quickness can overwhelm opponents and that size and reach makes it difficult for ball carriers to get away from him.
Tillery is an impressive prospect, but he’s still growing as a player. He should only continue to get stronger and improve his body, but he should also be able to refine his technique and add to what he’s already able to do
For the Browns, he gives them an imposing player at the three. They’ve got edge players and a developing nose with Larry Ogunjobi who looks like a star in his own right, this is the last piece of the puzzle. A lineup of guys like Myles Garrett, Ogunjobi, Clelin Ferrell, Genard Avery and Emmanuel Ogbah all constantly attacking opponents, it becomes difficult to slow down, let alone stop.
This would also make it so that Tillery doesn’t need to step in and start full time. With a player like Ogbah, they can ease Tillery in and let him figure things out without being at a disadvantage while he experiences some growing pains. Over the course of his rookie year and beyond, he should find his way to be on the field more and more, making a bigger impact.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that he might be the least threatening defensive lineman on the field at any given point, which makes it easier to operate.