Draft Profile Series: Aaron Donald
- Updated: April 28, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Aaron Donald, DT, 6-1, 285, Pittsburgh
Key stats: Had 59 tackles, 28.5 for loss and 11 sacks in 2013.
Strengths: Cat-quick tackle with high motor. … Wins with quickness, and is constantly in opposing backfields. … Long arms, helps him keep linemen at a distance. … Ran 4.68 at combine, which shows why he was able to run down some many plays. … Intelligent player. … Is very durable – only missing one game during his collegiate career. … Doesn’t give up on plays … even when offensive linemen win initially, Donald will fight to the whistle to get the upper hand. … Has decent array of rush moves, including a spin move.
Weaknesses: Is light for an NFL defensive tackle. … Could use to get stronger and add weight, as long as it doesn’t decrease his quickness. … Doesn’t get bullied, but can have trouble anchoring at times. … When he doesn’t win when penetrating, can get washed down the line and out of the play. … Is also short and seems to lose sight of where the ball is on occasion.
Conclusion: Perfect fit for teams that like quick 3-technique tackles. Elite athlete for the position, who makes big plays. … He may not physically dominate his opponent, but the times he wins, usually result in tackles for loss or sacks. … Makes big plays, and his ability to put pressure on the quarterback from a defensive tackle spot is what could make him special.
NFL comparison: Geno Atkins.
Draft projection: Will likely go between picks 8-16.
Related Posts
About Nick Sardina
