With the 13th pick of the Draft the Rams Select: Arron Donald
- Updated: May 8, 2014
Why it Works: Rams get a lightning quick Defensive Tackle to sure up the middle. I think they could have gone a little better here.
Draft Day Grade: B-
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.
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