Pitt’s Aaron Donald (Photo Credit: CBS Sports)
With college football right around the corner, the beginning of the 2014 NFL Draft is tagging right along. Through this mini-series, we’ll review junior tape of potential prospects from Pitt and Penn St. We’ll continue with a pair of Pitt lineman – defensive tackle Aaron Donald and offensive tackle Cory King.
*Obvious Disclaimer: With a full season to go, scouting reports of players can dramatically change. What is seen on a prospect’s junior tape can be much different than what happens his senior year, for better or worse. Needless to say, these reports are not set in stone.
NAME/MEASURABLES: Aaron Donald/6’0 275
POSITION: Defensive Tackle
2012 STATS: 64 tackles 18.5 TFL 5.5 sacks
GAMES WATCHED: at Syracuse, at UConn
Donald will likely be the most highly touted prospect from Pitt or Penn State heading into 2013. But as the measurable show, he’s severely undersized and his height reminds me of Southern Missisippi’s Anthony Gray in 2011.
But he uses the built-in leverage to his advantage and usually wins that battle. Has has a strong upper body and keeps his legs churning. Above average though not elite first step. Possesses quick, active hands and can shed blocks. That combination lets him get penetration against the run and become extremely disruptive. Good closing speed. Heady, aware player that recognizes screens and puts his hands up when he can’t get to the quarterback.
His repertoire is lacking. Swim is his best move but it needs to be more effective and has to show more variety in his arsenal of moves. As noted, his size is working against him and he does not show an upper tier first step seen in say, Sharrif Floyd.
For the most part, he worked as Pitt’s three tech. In subpackages when the Panthers moved to an odd front, Donald kicked out to end. He dropped into coverage twice against Syracuse. Pitt uses a one gap scheme that makes it seem as if Donald is getting washed out but likely a result of the scheme and not a deficiency in his play.
NAME/MEASURABLES: Cory King/6’6 325
POSITION: Left Tackle
2012 STATS: 13 starts at left tackle
GAMES WATCHED: at Cincinnati, at Notre Dame
King is a big body at 325 and definitely looks the part. And he does show some strength in the run game. At the very least, he uses his frame to seal blockers on down blocks. Smart player who is capable of switching off on stunts.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. Even in the run game, he has a tendency to overextend and lunge, causing him to fall off blocks. Strictly a phone booth blocker, can’t hit a moving target, and is an awful cut blocker. Pass protection is worst. Struggles to seal the edge. Habitual waist bender and gets caught playing too upright on occasion. Poor first punch and lack of arm extension lets defensive ends get into his body too easily. Against Cincinnati, he allowed three sacks.
Even with a full season to go, King looked out of position at tackle and better suited at guard, where he played in 2011.
Past Scouting Reports: Jason Hendricks, Glenn Carson
