A year removed from sending Malik Willis to the NFL, another list of Liberty draft prospects look to follow in the quarterback’s footsteps. The Liberty scouting reports for 2023 NFL Draft-eligible prospects include some intriguing names and high-upside players.
Liberty 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Charlie Brewer, QB
Strengths: Once-highly rated prospect who is patient in the pocket, effectively commands the offense, and mostly plays smart football. Sells ball fakes, quickly locates the open wideout, and throws a catchable pass. Puts touch on throws when necessary or leads receivers downfield with passes. Displays a terrific sense of timing and does not have receivers waiting for the ball to arrive.
Weaknesses: Lacks size and stature and is easily brought down at the point. Cannot drive the ball. Suffered a broken hand last season and threw just 13 passes.
Overall: After productive freshman and sophomore campaigns at Baylor, Brewer was considered a legitimate middle-round prospect; then the struggles began. In the past two seasons, playing for both Utah then Liberty, he threw a combined 92 passes. Brewer lacks the size and arm strength to be a starting quarterback on Sundays, yet he has enough ability to get consideration as a backup in a timing offense if he gets his game back on track.
Demario Douglas, WR
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.
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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.
Durell Johnson, EDGE
Strengths: Slightly undersized and underrated pass rusher who creates a lot of disruption on the field. Remains disciplined with assignments and plays physical, tough football. Athletic, moves well around the field, and displays a closing burst. Very quick, knifes through blocks, and immediately alters his angle of attack to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands, and knocks blockers back off the line. Senior totals included 27.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Quickly transitions off the line, is smooth flipping his hips, and plays to his 40 time. Effective in space and covers a lot of area on the field.
Weaknesses: Primarily stood over tackle at Liberty. Not natural in coverage. Lacks bulk and gets out-positioned from plays.
Overall: Johnson possesses the size and speed necessary to be an off-ball linebacker as well as the toughness to be used upfield as a pass rusher. He possesses a solid game, and though he’s unlikely to be selected in the draft, Johnson could be a surprise in camp this summer.
Javon Scruggs, S
Strengths: Tough, run-defending safety who is best making plays up the field. Aggressive, displays a great sense of awareness, and works hard to get involved. Instinctive, quickly picks up coverage assignments, and stays with the action. Efficient, takes good angles to the play, and gives great effort against the run. Drives his shoulders through ball handlers and works to finish tackles.
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Weaknesses: Does not show great lateral speed. Cannot quickly close to the action. Not fast enough to recover.
Overall: Scruggs is a heady and hard-working safety, yet he’s a one-dimensional player at the position. He offers possibilities in a zone system, but Scruggs must stand out on special teams this summer.