The Next Level: Jurrell Casey Needs to Build on Strong Rookie Year

Jurrell Casey isn't a household name, but if he continues to build on a strong rookie season he will be.

The former third-round pick in the 2011 draft contributed 2.5 sacks and 40 tackles from the defensive tackle spot last year for the Tennessee Titans. That may not sound like much, but it was tied for fourth in the NFL among tackles.

Casey was the only rookie, and the lowest-drafted tackle, to reach that level. In fact, only 12 linemen total rang up as many as 40 tackles. Casey's play wasn't merely productive statistically, but it had an impact. Pro Football Focus rated him as the 13th-best tackle in 2011 and the seventh-best run-stopping tackle.

Tackles are often overlooked because it's difficult to put a statistical value on their play. They do much of the dirty work on the line, occupying double-teams and creating penetration that alters the pocket or forces running backs to bounce outside. Because of this effort in the trenches, they typically don't pile up huge tackle or sack numbers. Linebackers get the glory, but tackles make the front seven run.

Casey's impact was keenly felt up front. The Titans were sixth best in the NFL in "power running situations" and were fifth in stopping run plays for no gain or a loss. When it comes to shutting down the opponent's rushing attack, having a strong tackle like Casey is a must.

There's another frontier to his game that he'll have to develop if he truly wants to become an elite, Pro Bowl-level player, however. He was too limited as a pass-rusher in 2011.

Remember, he was a rookie third-round pick, so his 2.5 sacks were actually wonderful production, but stardom isn't based on extenuating circumstances. For Casey to blossom into a top-five defensive tackle, he'll have to do better getting after the passer. Pro Football Focus agrees, ranking him 63rd of 88 measured tackles at rushing the quarterback.

Casey needs to keep working hard to complete his development, but if he does, the Titans will have one of the rarest assets in football: a dominant defensive tackle.