Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh (HT: 6’0¾”, WT: 285 lbs)

St. Louis Rams

First Round: 13th Pick

NFL Comparison: Jurrell Casey, DT, Tennessee Titans

Positives

• Incredibly explosive; is very quick to engage. Can shoot gaps and apply pressure in the blink of an eye.
• Quick, violent hands. Can get under opponents’ pads and control them at the point of attack, demonstrating the ability to win the leverage battle. Capable of shedding blocks quickly while moving toward the ball.
• Devastating pass-rusher. Is an extremely disruptive interior force that lives in opponents’ backfields.
• Terrific athlete who was able to turn heads with his NFL Scouting Combine workout. His performance in Indianapolis was the best among defensive tackles as he put up some freakish results. Good lateral agility and closing speed.
• Long arms considering his height, measuring 32 5/8”. Uses his length effectively to help him win the leverage battle at the point of attack and keep blockers from getting under his pads.
• Naturally has a very low center of gravity. Has good pad level and balance; does not spend much time on the ground.
• Sturdy defender with a powerful upper body and thick lower body. Converts quickness to power inside and flashes a strong punch.
• Stood out as the best player at the Senior Bowl. Was unblockable at times in Mobile, Ala., embarrassing offensive linemen in practice and making a significant impact on the game.
• Draws blatant holding penalties due to his initial quickness, penetrating before linemen get off the ball or the play develops. Capable of forcing his opponents to play at a different tempo.
• Extraordinarily productive in college. The best defensive tackle in the nation as a senior, he finished with 29.5 career sacks and 66 tackles for loss.
• High-character player with a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. Was a team captain as a senior.

Negatives

• Undersized for the NFL at roughly 6’1”, 285 pounds. Additionally, he does not appear to have much growth potential and may have maxed out his frame already.
• Inconsistent anchor. Appears to be bolted to the ground at times, but occasionally struggles when opponents run directly at him.
• Does not hold up overly well against the double team, struggling to occupy gaps.
• Often is too aggressive against the run and takes himself out of position to make a play.
• Can be overwhelmed by bigger, long-limbed offensive linemen. Will be facing stronger, more athletic players in the trenches in the pros.
• Lack of prototypical size may take him off a few boards. Might not fit in every defensive scheme and will be seen by some as a sub-package player. Could be best served operating as a rotational player, rushing the quarterback on passing downs.
• Relatively old for an NFL prospect; will be 23 in May.

Personal Notes

• First-team All-American 2013
• First-team All-ACC 2013
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year 2013
• Bronko Nagurski Trophy – Nation’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player 2013
• Chuck Bednarik Award – Defensive Player of the Year 2013
• Outland Trophy – Nation’s Best Offensive or Defensive Interior Lineman 2013
• Rotary Lombardi Award – Nation’s Best Lineman or Linebacker 2013
• First-team All-Big East 2012
• Second-team All-Big East 2011
• Communication major

Ratings Chart

Overall

Arguably the most dominant defender in college football this past season, Donald wreaked havoc inside and virtually lived in the backfield as a senior. While size may limit his schematic fit or role after college, he aced every pre-draft test and was arguably the most impressive performer at both the Senior Bowl and NFL combine.

In a pass-driven league, his skill set will be coveted, and creative defensive coaches may be able to harness his disruptive ability. He fits most naturally as a 3-technique in a base four-man front, but could potentially be groomed to play outside linebacker in some 3-4 schemes much like Mike Neal of the Green Bay Packers.

Draft Projection: 1st Round