'Growing pains:' Panthers' Nic Scourton learning from Jaelan Phillips, creating new moves

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton sat down recently to analyze his rookie tape.

His review ended with a simple summary: "Growing pains."

"I would say beginning of the season just growing pains, trying to find my niche in this defense," Scourton said during Tuesday's press conference following an NFL offseason training activities (OTAs) practice. "I think overall I got better every week, so that's a positive you can say."

Thrust into the Week 7 starting lineup after Patrick Jones II suffered a season-ending injury,  Scourton collected 46 tackles (19 solo), five sacks, which matched Derrick Brown for the team lead, and one forced fumble.

Scourton didn't give his complete film review a thumbs-up. 

"In my opinion, I just feel like it just wasn't up to my standard personally," he said.

Scourton enlisted assistance.

Panthers' Nic Scourton learning from film review, veterans

Along with training with Dallas-based pass-rush specialist BT Jordan, Scourton often reached out to new teammate Jaelan Phillips, one of the NFL's top edge rushers, for guidance.

"I think for myself, I wanted to go and get better," he said. "Just getting around guys who can help me with my feet, help me get a better line, help me get better hands."I break down (Phillips') tape a lot."

One of the first lessons Scourton observed from his personal tape review was a reliance on bull-rushing opposing offensive linemen. It worked in college at Texas A&M and Purdue, but not as much in the NFL. 

Scourton did beat rookie offensive tackle Monroe Freeling on at least one speed rush during Tuesday's practice.

"That's the most important thing," Scourton said. "I mean, these guys have excellent feet, long arms. So if you're not playing with hands, you're not throwing your move twice, it won't work, and the production won't be there. I mean, that's just being young, just trying to find my niche. 

"I think I've gotten a lot better this offseason, just having myu hands tight when I'm rushing, being active. It's helped me a lot so far in OTAs."

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