Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 13!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 13...

13. Peria Jerry, DT Mississippi Rebels

2008 Season Stats:
49 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FF

Career Stats:
132 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 2 FF, INT

Personal Stats:
6'2" 299 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Peria Jerry is a disruptive and penetrating defensive tackle who has the speed and first step explosion you want from a nose tackle but he also has the stack and shed ability of a nose tackle in the run game. He is a very active defensive player and loves to get after the quarterback, he won't always bring him down but he'll always be around harassing him with hands in his face and hurrying his progressions. He uses his hands well as a wealth of defensive moves aside from rip, swim and bull rush. He is a tough, hard working and very aware football who can lead his defense.

Weaknesses:

Despite his abilities he does not have great size and bulk to play as a nose tackle at the NFL level. Despite his explosion he could stand to develop upper body strength as when he gets blocked he tends to stay blocked as he has a lot of trouble getting himself loose. He tends to come in very high with his rush and will lose the leverage battles to more technique oriented offensive linemen who can handle his speed, thus controlling his rush. He was academically ineligible and that might cause some concerns for teams as well, not to mention his durability as well as he had knee surgery before his senior season.

Overall:

In totality, I think Peria (pronounced Per-eh) Jerry is a first round lock but he might slide a bit due to his lack of versatility, intelligence and durability concerns. Though he has great ability I only see him being an under tackle in a 4-3 scheme or maybe a nose tackle for Colts seeing as they like undersized and speedier linemen on their front four. But I think Jerry is a hard worker who will help a team from day one and should be a solid pro when all is said and done.



Project NFL Destination:

With the 27th selection in the NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...









There you have it folks, be sure to tune in later this week for Prospect #12!