Liberty has had *checks notes* a whopping nine players drafted into the NFL in the school’s history. Three of those players were wide receivers, and Demario Douglas hopes to make it four out of 10 by the end of the 2023 NFL Draft. Does Douglas own a scouting report worthy of a selection this April?
Demario Douglas NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Liberty
- Year: Redshirt Junior
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla., Douglas attended Pedro Menendez High School as a freshman and sophomore, playing WR and CB on the varsity team. Prior to his junior season, he transferred to Mandarin High School and posted over 300+ receiving yards. But Douglas saved his best for last, having a season worthy of a “Florida man” headline.
Douglas torched his competition to the tune of 72 receptions, 1,382 yards, and 16 touchdowns, helping his squad to a state title, in which he set a record with four receiving scores. While he was a bit of a late bloomer on the field, Douglas also lettered in track, performing high and long jumps for Mandarin HS.
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Despite his late success, most recruiting sites listed Douglas as a zero-star prospect. He still received multiple Group of Five offers but ultimately committed to Liberty with the “athlete” label. After redshirting Year 1, Douglas played 11 games in a COVID-impacted season, producing a 32-363-3 line, as well as 107 yards and a score on three punt returns.
Starting half the games (six) as a redshirt sophomore, Douglas led the team in receiving (52-701-6) and took another punt return to the house. And just as he did in high school, he ended his career with a bang. Douglas not only took 79 catches for 993 yards and six TDs (doubling the next closest pass catcher in each category), but he also generated 110 yards and a score on seven carries while averaging 24.8 yards and 13 kickoff returns.
Oh, and Douglas received a bachelor’s degree in sports management to boot! Off his most productive collegiate season, Douglas received invites to the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine, and he didn’t disappoint at either.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Demario Douglas
Strengths: Quick, explosive receiver whose draft stock is rising. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, immediately gets to top speed, and runs great routes. Sticks his foot in the ground, fires into breaks, and stays low on exit to position himself to make the reception. Comes back to the ball, extends his hands, and consistently makes the reception away from his frame.
Tracks the pass in the air, displays eye/hand coordination, and looks the ball into his hands. Plays tough football and gets up in a crowd to come down with the contested catch despite a lack of size. Knows where he is on the field, works his hands to separate from defenders, and adjusts to the errant throw. Keeps the play in bounds and works to pick up positive yardage after the catch. Productive return specialist in college.
Weaknesses: Lacks a true second gear. Small and struggles in battles. Gets beaten down by larger defensive backs. Easily brought down at the point by a single opponent.
Overall: Douglas is a small but explosive receiver with a reliable game. He was virtually impossible to cover during three days of Shrine Bowl practice, then went on to have a terrific combine workout. The size limitations mean Douglas will have to play in the slot or backed off the line of scrimmage, yet his quickness, route running, and pass-catching skills will help him develop into a productive third wideout on Sundays.
Demario Douglas Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 5’8″
- Weight: 179 pounds
- Arm Size: 30 1/8″
- Hand Size: 8 3/4″
- Bench Press: 12 reps*
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.44
- Vertical Jump: 39.5″
- Broad Jump: 11’2″
- Three-Cone: 7.05*
- Short Shuttle: 4.29
Note: Numbers marked with an (*) are from Liberty’s Pro Day.
Liberty WR Demario Douglas Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Douglas ranks 163rd overall as the WR21 and holds a fifth-round grade. With sure hands, quantifiable explosiveness, deadly open-field ability, and kick/punt-return versatility, Douglas should hear his name called in Kansas City.
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He’s not the biggest receiver, and, like most of the 2023 WR class, Douglas will likely serve as a slot-only weapon. However, Douglas possesses the physical liberty to make dynamic, game-changing plays, and with his special-teams contributions, he should be able to ignite flames on a 53-man roster.