One of the top prospects in this year's defensive tackle class is Kayden McDonald from Ohio State University. The 6'3", 326 pound McDonald played in 37 games over three seasons for the Buckeyes.
Born in Texarkana, Texas, McDonald grew up in Suwanee, Georgia and had an outstanding high school career. He was a four star prospect coming out, earned all state status and was ranked the 12th best defensive tackle prospect in the nation.
He only played in four games as a freshman but became an every game player as a sophomore. Last season, as a junior, McDonald was an every down player for the first time. He totaled 65 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a pair of pass breakups.
McDonald was named the Big 10 defensive lineman of the year and his best collegiate season was capped off by earning All American honors.The 21 year old McDonald was a key part of a Buckeyes defense that was ranked first in the country, giving up an average of only nine points a game.
McDonald was a two time scholar athlete at Ohio State as well as two time Academic All Big 10. He majored in Communications. One of McDonald's former teammates at Ohio State was current Buffalo Bill Jordan Hancock.
Joe Marino provides draft analysis for WGR. His website is thejoemarino.com and you can subscribe to his Locked On Bills Podcast. Joe shares his thoughts on McDonald.
Positives:
Big, powerful, physical player who is the anchor that you're looking for to really own the middle of the defensive line. But what I really love is how he processes and has the ability to locate the football. I think he maximizes that size and power and physicality with good football IQ and good instincts to find the football. That is accentuated because he's got really good lateral movement skills and change of direction. When he's in those tight quarters, and he's got to go back across his momentum, I love his ability to stay under control and finish. He's a very high effort player, despite kind of having that nose tackle type label on him.
Negatives:
There's a limited pass rush ceiling here. I think he would improve his pass rush potential with quicker activation of his hands, getting into his rush plan, getting into his rush moves quicker when he reads pass. I wish he had a little bit more length, which I think kind of takes away from some of that pass rush upside. You see him get a little tall as the pass rush snaps add up and I think that takes away from his ability to disengage and finish. You have to improve the pass rush profile here. I think there's a decent foundation of traits, but there's more technique required for him to really have an impact on passing downs.
The NFL Draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
If the Bills want to add to the defensive tackle position, there are a number of good prospects in this month's draft.
If the Bills want to add to the defensive tackle position, there are a number of good prospects in this month's draft.
