Jurrell Casey Scouting Report

Jurrell Casey did not step into a starting role as a freshman, but he did play some important minutes off of the bench. As backup nose tackle at USC, he tallied 12 tackles (including 2.0 tackles-for-loss) and a forced fumble. That is not too bad for a freshman on what was a very talented USC defense. The following year Casey stepped into a starting role, with two starts at nose tackle at the rest at defensive tackle. Casey tallied 59 tackles with 9.0 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks. For his efforts, Casey earned plenty of postseason accolades.

He earned plenty of accolades heading into the 2010 season and has done pretty well all things considered. He has developed into a solid run stuffer and already has 35 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks through seven games. Casey has put on a little more weight this season and does not lack in the strength department. He is not the most nimble defensive tackle around, but he will bull his way through the interior of the offensive line and disrupt plays even if he fails to make a play himself.

If Casey does go pro a year early, he is likely a borderline first round selection. There are some pretty good defensive tackles in this class, but Casey has to be mentioned with them. Another year polishing his skills can never hurt, yet Casey has the ability to be an impact player in the NFL right now.