NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss by Jody Jamieson 21/2/2009
Bloodline play a big part in evaluation of college prospects. Whether you like it or not, the fact that Chris Long’s father was a Hall of Fame defensive end was noted. Also Dominique Rogers-Cromartie first came to light on the back of his cousin Antonio Cromartie’s excellent 2007 season. Of course in the case of Long and Rogers-Cromartie they both are talented players who would have had good rookie seasons without the bloodlines. Peria Jerry has the bloodlines. But they’re not in the form of Hall of Fame fathers or even Pro Bowl cousins. Instead Jerry has bloodlines to a cousin famous for one of the biggest gaffes in NFL history.
Rudd was playing for the Cleveland Browns when late in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and with the Browns leading 39-37, Rudd thought he had sacked Trent Green, but he lateraled the ball to right tackle John Tait who rumbled down the sideline but time had expired before he got out of bounds. But Rudd celebrated his phantom sack of Green by tossing his helmet in the air and drawing a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty and giving the Chiefs an untimed down in field goal range. The timeless Morten Andersen kicked a 30 yarder to win the game for Kansas City.
Of course it would be entirely unfair to link Jerry to such a folly. And ultimately it would be unfair to dismiss Rudd’s career on the back of his mistake as he had a fairly good 7 year career in the NFL where he recorded over 500 tackles, so you would obviously argue that the bloodlines are in his favour. Jerry himself is an exciting prospect who will be hard to pass up for teams looking to improve their defensive line. There are definite question marks on him, but his talent is so evident that he’ll be taken either late in the first round or early in the second.
What we like about Jerry
Jerry is a pass rushing specialist from tackle. He has moves, speed and strength and will give offenses a headache on 3rd and long. Doesn’t stop coming and gets a great jump off the line. He’s a real leader and leads by example. Likely 3 technique DT in the pros but could work as a DE in a 3-4. Despite his age, he improved a lot in his Senior Year and still has some upside.
Question marks about Jerry
At 290 lbs, Jerry could stand to get a little bigger, but doesn’t have the frame to play any higher than 290. He’ll be 25 in August so will be one of the oldest players in the Draft. Needs to become tougher at the point of attack in the running game. He can get into the backfield but he stays too high sometimes and gets driven backwards.
Highlight of his college career
On 4th and 1 and behind by one point late on, the Florida Gators had to go for it to preserve their undefeated record. Jerry was credited with the tackle for no gain and the Rebels claimed a huge upset over the eventual National Champions at The Swamp.
Other snippets
6′ 1″ tall and weighed in at 290 lbs at the Senior Bowl. First Team All-American in 2008. Led the SEC in tackles for loss in 2008. Kansas City may like him in the second round to pair with Glenn Dorsey. More likely though Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Arizona will have had a real look in the first and he’ll likely be gone before the Chiefs pick in the 2nd.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Rudd was playing for the Cleveland Browns when late in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and with the Browns leading 39-37, Rudd thought he had sacked Trent Green, but he lateraled the ball to right tackle John Tait who rumbled down the sideline but time had expired before he got out of bounds. But Rudd celebrated his phantom sack of Green by tossing his helmet in the air and drawing a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty and giving the Chiefs an untimed down in field goal range. The timeless Morten Andersen kicked a 30 yarder to win the game for Kansas City.
