Jerry Tillery, the 2019 first-round pick, struggled to live up to his draft billing and was being written off.
While he flashed as a pass-rusher, Tillery was a liability as a run defender. Tillery failed to push the pocket and take on double teams, which turned into gaping holes, as evident from the league’s worst run defenses last season.
That led to head coach Brandon Staley bringing the proper personnel to the defensive line room to aid the run game, signing Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Morgan Fox, and drafting Otito Ogbonnia.
The additions led to Tillery being relegated to a rotational role that plays to his strengths – getting after the quarterback. And since then, it’s been a night and day difference.
Looking like a revamped player, Tillery is winning at the line of scrimmage with strength, his length, and more technically sound counters to discard blockers.
Jerry Tillery going up against LT Cameron Fleming:
Tillery creates separation with the long arm before transitioning to the chop/dip/rip to shed the block.
He doesn't finish the play, but it's evident that Tillery is stronger, using his length and the technique has improved. pic.twitter.com/9808gONeOV
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) October 19, 2022
As a result, Tillery has ten pressures, eight of which came in the last three games.
The team has utilized his versatility. He has aligned primarily as a three-technique (outside shoulder of the guard), but he has seen snaps as a 4i-technique (over the tackle) and on the edge.
Playing in the final year of his rookie deal after the team elected not to pick up his fifth-year option, Tillery is auditioning for a new deal.
Even though he might not be as well-rounded as others at his position, interior defenders that can rush the quarterback well don’t come around often. For that reason, Tillery might be an appealing option on the market if he continues to perform.