Tweets – practice squad

Doug Worthington
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 292 | College: Ohio State

Player Profile
Other
Ohio State
Class of 2010

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange
Overview

Although he’s one of the more versatile defensive linemen in the country, Worthington didn’t light up the stat sheet or receive all-conference recognition during his career at OSU. But his ability to play multiple positions served his defensive coaches well and will likely earn him a spot in the 2010 draft.

He hurt his right knee during bowl practices in his redshirt season, limiting him a bit the following year; all three of his tackles came in the second half of the 2006 campaign. Healthy as a sophomore, Worthington was part of a rotation at tackle (24 tackles, two for loss, sack, interceptions, forced fumble). He became more disruptive in 2008, making 34 tackles, five for loss and a sack. Playing end as a senior, his statistics were similar (42-5-2) but scouts noticed his impact on the edge.

Worthington played just about everywhere except right end, even nose tackle in three-man fronts in obvious passing situations, in 2009. That versatility, added to his length and strength, may have several NFL defensive coordinators (especially those using 3-4 schemes) pushing for their teams to select him in the middle-to-late rounds.
Analysis

Pass rush: Not a major threat as a pass rusher, although he gives good secondary effort to the quarterback. Gets upfield with length but lacks flexibility to turn the corner. Mostly bull rushes, using his long arms to push back tackle. Has a spin move, but it’s pretty slow so he uses it mostly to disengage and not as an initial pass rush tool. Has the height and length to affect passing lanes; could be more consistent getting his hands up when unable to reach the passer.

Run defense: Plays tall but is always going forward and giving effort. Lines up at nose tackle and holds ground fairly well for his height, able to split or get off doubles to catch ballcarrier coming through the hole. Moves down the line and downfield to make tackles. Joins any pile, no matter how high, to stop late progress. Halted by cut blocks because of his height but uses his long arms and strong hands to recover surprisingly well. Can be put on skates, even with knees bent, when moving down the line while engaged.

Explosion: Strong off the snap, stays low and pops blocker’s jersey when man-up and can penetrate a gap when lined up in the one or three-technique spots. Presses the tackle upfield using his length but is not a great outside pass rush threat.

Strength: Tall and carries his weight well, yet still plays with above-average strength at the point of attack. Can bull rush, control the edge, move tackle to either side and disengage to make a stop (though he needs to get off more quickly to prevent ballcarriers from passing him before tackling him).

Tackling: Excellent length and effort to wrap up ballcarriers running by him. Height prevents him from being able to break down to corral more smaller, quicker receivers and backs. Adequate closing speed in the pocket but not an explosive tackler in space; best using his length to grab oncoming ballcarriers and drag down backs and receivers from behind.

Intangibles: Team captain in 2009. Humble, soft-spoken, well-liked player. Does not give up on plays, hustles and looks to help out teammates on tackles.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/historical/563636