Notes:
Was ranked among the nation’s top defensive tackles as an Ohio prep. Redshirted in 2008. Started 11-of-13 games played at defensive tackle in ’09 and earned first-team Freshman All-America honors after posting 37 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 41⁄2 sacks with two passes batted down. Made all 13 starts in ’10 and led the team in sacks after recording 40-8-4 with three batted passes and a blocked field goal against Michigan. Earned first-team All-America honors in ’11 after recording 30-10 1⁄2-3 1⁄2 with one pass batted down and two blocked kicks in 14 starts. He became the first Michigan State defensive tackle to earn All-America honors since 1971 (Ronald Curl). Did not lift at the Combine because of a pectoral strain.
Positives:
Excellent size and natural girth. Is quick off the snap and very effective penetrating the backfield when he is slanting and stunting. Surprising initial quickness. Can be disruptive when he keeps his pads low and shoots gaps. Has enough size, mass and power to bull his way into the backfield and two-gap. Solid tackler.
Negatives:
Average processing speed — can be late to find the ball (and looked like he was thinking too much as he tripped over a bag in Combine drills). Too often coasted and took plays off — motor idles. Does not play with fire — mild playing temperament. Has underachiever tendencies — production did not meet talent. Struggles handling double-teams. Tired too easily and tended to wear down in games.
Summary:
Big, well-built physical specimen best suited to play in gaps in the pros, Worthy could garner interest from both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts given his ability to two-gap. However, he will reap the most return as a three-technique where he could pressure the quarterback.
