Today is day four of our Draft Review series. Today we will be reviewing Ravens’ third round pick Chris Wormley Wormley, a defensive end out of Michigan, taken with the 74th pick in the previously mentioned third round. Wormely, 23, is known to be a big play defensive end with loads of potential for the NFL. He had an instant connection to the Ravens, as his head coach at Michigan was Jim Harbaugh, brother of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Wormley grew as a player under Jim Harbaugh, and the Ravens saw that growth and ability as well. They know he can develop into a top NFL player, which is why they decided to draft him. Today, we are going to look at Wormley’s skill set, his fit on the Ravens, predictions for him going forward, and give an overall grade to the selection.
Skill Set
Wormley is a big defensive end. At 6’5″ tall and 298 lbs in weight, his size gives him the ability to match up well with opposing offensive lineman and other blockers. He also has a big wingspan, at 34 and 1/8″, that he can use to wrap up ball carriers and prevent big gains. He is explosive off the snap, and gets around to the ball carrier quickly in attempts to make big plays. He can stuff the run and sack the quarterback. He’s got great agility, which enables him to dance around would be blockers and make the quarterback or ball carrier feel the pressure quickly. He also has great balance, and rarely ever falls down on the field. The big time defensive end made a huge impact in the BIG 10 conference in college football, which is one of the toughest in the nation, and most resembles the NFL. This will have prepared him well for the NFL.
Fit in Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Chris Wormley with their first pick in the third round of the NFL draft. Third round players often times can be hit or miss. Sometimes they become starters right out of the gate, other times they never amount to anything in the NFL. Wormley, however, would normally be an early second round prospect, but because of the depth on defense (specifically pass rusher) this year, he slid all the way down to the third round. This means the Ravens are getting a much better quality player than they normally would be able to in the third round. Wormley will come in and compete for a starting job, day one with the Ravens. He will have a real chance to start at defensive end, especially with Timmy Jernigan having been traded to the Eagles. He also could get time at defensive tackle, as he has experience all over the defensive line.
Predictions for Wormley
I predict that this season, Chris Wormley will get extensive time at both defensive end and defensive tackle. He won’t be a starting player right away, but he does have a chance to become a starter later on in the season. By the 2018 season, Wormley will be a full time starter for the Ravens, and make a huge impact on the defense, and on the team. He will eventually have a double digit sack season, and go on to a successful career with the Ravens in the NFL.
College Statistics
2013 – (Freshman Year) – 19 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery.
2014 – (Sophomore Year) – 21 tackles, 5.0 for loss, 3.0 sacks.
2015 – (Junior Year) – 43 tackles, 14.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
2016 – (Senior Year) – 36 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks.
Selection Grade
The Ravens selected Wormley in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, with the 74th pick overall. They actually had another third round pick, at 78 overall, but chose not to gamble Wormley being gone by then. Wormley is a very underrated player who normally would not be a third round prospect. His slide, however, was not his fault as the depth of talent for defensive ends and pass rushers was so far deep. The Ravens found a great player at a great price, and overall made a great decision to bring Wormley to Baltimore. Overall, I give this selection a grade of B+. Great player at a great price. He will compete for a starting position right away, and make an impact not long after joining the Ravens.
