Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Watch: Michigan DE Chris Wormley
By Logan Bryson
DE Chris Wormley, Michigan
Strengths
One of Wormley’s most intriguing qualities is his all-around game. Wormley is stout both as a pass rusher and against the run. He is an ideal 5-tech, possessing an impressive combination of length and size, who can stop the run and rush the passer.
As a run defender, Wormley demonstrates the ability to hold his ground and maintain gap responsibility. This is attributed to the fantastic leverage that Wormley maintains while engaging blockers. Additionally, he showcases a swim move that allows him to slip blockers and make explosive plays in the backfield, with plenty of TFLs to his resume.
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As a pass rusher, I envision Wormley kicking inside as a 3-tech in sub package nickel situations for Pittsburgh. Wormley flashes some burst and explosion in his play, resulting in 3.5 sacks and a plethora of pressures in 5 dominant outings for Michigan this season. While rushing from the interior Wormley demonstrates the ability to blow back blockers and disengage when around the quarterback. Off the edge, Wormley flashes an impressive first step to beat blockers off the snap.
Overall, Wormley’s game is based on power as he is often seen tossing around blockers in pursuit of the QB and blowing back the line of scrimmage in the run game.