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PFF scouting report: Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Anthony Zettel of Penn State in action during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Below is the PFF draft profile for Penn State's Anthony Zettel, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.

Position fit:

It may be difficult to slot Zettel into a three-down role, as he’s built like a 3-4 defensive end, but doesn’t always play like it on the field. He flashes the ability to play 3-technique, but perhaps not to the level of NFL 3-technique players. Zettel’s best fit may be as an interior pass-rush specialist

Stats to know:

Posted the ninth-overall grade among interior defensive linemen in 2014, but fell to 41st in the nation and 30th in the draft class in 2015. His pass-rush grade ranked 17th in the draft class.

What he does best:

• Can play low and leverage around blocks.

• Better at splitting double-teams than anchoring against them. Disruptive gap-shooter.

• Uses his hands well as a pass-rusher.

• Won to the outside once every 20.1 rushes, good for eighth in the class.

• Kicked outside and did some damage rushing off the edge, though it’s unlikely to be a long-term role.

• Five batted passes tied for second in the draft class.

Biggest concern:

• Has trouble anchoring against double-teams and down-blocks. Got destroyed in these circumstances.

• Regressed against the run in 2015 and had disastrous games against better offensive lines (Ohio State, Michigan State).

• Rarely won on initial contact and shed a block to disrupt or make a play.

• Let’s blockers get into his pads far too often at point of attack.

• Could finish better as a pass-rusher (only two sacks on his 32 pressures in 2015).

Bottom line

Zettel’s future may depend on his pass-rushing ability, as he’s struggled against more powerful blockers in the run game. While his 6-foot-4, 277-pound frame may be best fit at 3-4 defensive end, Zettel has little experience holding the point against the run, and he’ll need to learn proper technique to maximize his value on early downs.

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