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Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft . Here is a capsule look at prospect Jason Worilds.

NFL position: DE
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
40 time: 4.75
Current projection: Third-round pick

Jason Worilds has the athleticism and pass-rush skills to play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but he lacks skills away from the line of scrimmage.

Strengths: Is an elite athlete with the quickness, speed and explosiveness to make an impact rushing the passer when aggressive. Has an explosive closing burst to the quarterback and can deliver a violent hit. Can beat tackles outside with quick hands or inside with a very good spin move. Flashes a surprising ability to jolt and drive tackles backward into the quarterback’s lap; can then free up and get the sack. Is very competitive chasing after running plays in pursuit; shows the rare athleticism to hurdle low blocks and gets back to full speed in a flash. Has the top-level speed and burst to consistently finish plays. Has the athleticism to change directions fast and avoid blockers in space.

Weaknesses: Is a ‘tweener. Looks more like a linebacker than an end. Does not have good instincts and awareness, which is more of a problem the farther from the line a defender plays. Is often the last lineman moving at the snap. Does not maintain backside containment responsibility on plays away from him. Does not rush the quarterback aggressively on every snap, reducing his productivity. Lacks ideal size to play end and struggles to get free from opposing linemen once they get a hold of him.

Bottom line: Worilds definitely could have helped his stock by staying in school for another season, during which he could have defined himself as an end or outside linebacker and improved his instincts and awareness. When he rushes the passer aggressively, he looks like an elite athlete who could be very effective as an undersized pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme. But when he does not rush aggressively, he gets tied up and eliminated from the play too easily. He definitely looks like he fits best as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but he does not seem very instinctive and is less effective when he plays behind the line. We think Worilds will be drafted higher than we have him rated because he should test out very well at the Combine. But his ‘tweener size and lack of instincts make us concerned that he will struggle to be consistently productive.

For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.

While five-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers is less than a week away from likely becomming an unrestricted free agent — with several seeing New England as a strong suitor — questions are surfacing over his passion for football.

While Brandon Marshall’s contentious relationship with coach Josh McDaniels has led many to speculate the receiver will ultimately be traded this offseason, Mike Klis of The Denver Post attributes Marshall’s discomfort in Denver to the murder of teammate Darrent Williams.

Star WR Randy Moss doesn’t expect to be with the New England Patriots beyond next season, according to multiple pubished reports.

Mel Kiper on Michigan CB Donovan Warren – “Right now you’re looking at the third or fourth round. He’s a physical corner, no question about that. He likes going head to head on an island with the best receivers in the country. His anticipation is good. He’s a gambler though and gave up some big plays. He took some chances that were unwarranted and gave up some big plays.”

Kerry … Darrelle … pah!

Who wants to meet a Quarterback for the Jets?

Head over to this month’s 12 Angry Mascots show! Our good friends over at 12AM are hosting their show this week on Thursday February 25th, at 9:30 PM, back at Comix Comedy Club in Manhattan and they’ve outdone themselves this time!!!

Guess who?

[wait for it]

[wait for it ... ]

Erik Ainge of course!!!

See what I did there? I made you think it was going to be someone else. Ah well, don’t hold it against those lovable scamps from 12AM, that one is on me.

This show promises to be a fun time for anyone who likes sports and enjoys laughing. If you’re unfamiliar with 12AM, watch this video from Darrelle Revis’s visit.

Ainge seems like a guy who will get into this, so it should be good. Along with Erik Ainge, 12AM will feature two pro athletes raised on the gritty streets of New York.

JP Foschi — TE Bengals Queens native & Chaminade alum
Tor Hamer — 2008 Golden Glove winner and undefeated heavyweight boxer

… and Erik Ainge! You got to go! If you do, tell them TheJetsBlog sent ya!

Details:
Thursday, Feb. 25th 9:30
Comix (353 W. 14th St)
Event Info

Here’s a video of Ainge from college.

The No. 9 Ohio State basketball team lost a big game at home on Wednesday when it fell to Purdue. On Sunday, the stakes get even higher when the Buckeyes travel to East Lansing to take on No. 11 Michigan State. BuckeyeGrove.com provides a full breakdown of Ohio State’s latest opponent inside

We all know that the chances of the Jets getting Julius Peppers due to the top eight team restrictions are slim and none, but for many readers on this blog, the biggest fear is that he would end up in New England.

Don Banks of SI.com writes that this likelihood is rather small, based on a league source he quotes.

Talking with club officials about free agency this week, the name that came up most was Julius Peppers. Everyone wants to know where the soon-to-be-ex-Carolina Panthers defensive end might land. The Patriots and Eagles are thought to be the most interested parties, but one league source I talked with thinks Peppers will be sorely disappointed if he believes New England intends to offer him top dollar.

“If he’s going for the big money, Peppers never signs with the Patriots,” the league source said. “If it’s about winning and he’s willing to take less to play in New England, maybe he ends up there. But he doesn’t sound like the type who’s willing to take the discount. And really, can you go to New England and know you’re going to win these days? It’s not the given it was maybe three or four years ago, when Randy Moss went there. It’s been five years since they’ve won a Super Bowl.”

Now, an anonymous source doth not truth make, but it’s a point worth considering. New England really seems to enjoy winning at the negotiating table, maybe more than on the field these days, so Peppers might not get the money he’s looking for from the Patriots. With that said, if Peppers is concerned about his legacy and he thinks the Patriots are the place to win … then look out.

• Tim Graham opens up the AFC East mailbag.
• Matt Birch who is suffering from Jets withdrawl, takes an early look at their upcoming schedule.
• The ‘97 game against the Lions still speaks volumes to Rex Ryan.
• The boys shouldn’t be reading the press clippings.
• Mark Sanchez and Jay Feely react to Tiger Woods’ speech.
• Caporoso wonders if the Jets can truly be the #1 show in 2010.
• The Jets Kvetch is a bit unconventional but the point is made.
• Randy Moss expects 2010 to be his final season with the Patriots.
• Ted Berg finds a few photos to help show the similarities between good ‘Ol Joe and Sanchez.
• Looking for a VIP Draft Package? You better get that dough ready.
• Jets Twit will be participating in a 32 blog mock draft! Congrats to Manassy and Jets Twit … make sure to pick a winner!
• Craig Thomas has a bit of Q&A with Schotty (subscription required).