Player Bio:
Donnerson was a two-time all-state pick in Arkansas before matriculating to Southeast. He played in every game as a true freshman (nine tackles, two for loss, sack) and became a more regular contributor the following season (32 tackles, two forced fumbles). Donnerson became a starter at outside linebacker in 2016 (10 of 11 games played), posting 50 tackles and leading the squad with 13 tackles for loss, four of which were sacks. His senior year was his best, earning first-team All-Ohio Vally Conference honors with 53 stops, 13.5 for loss, six sacks, an interception, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.
Analysis By Lance Zierlein NFL Analyst
Draft Projection: Round 7/PFA
Overview:
Donnerson's tape is nowhere near draftable in terms of his skill set, but from an athletic standpoint, his testing numbers are beyond rare for his size. Donnerson is a project that teams might not be willing to draft, but will be more than happy to stash on the practice squad as a PFA while they try and improve his technique and skill, hoping to unlock his athletic gifts. At this point, Donnerson is no more than a lottery scratch-off with the potential for a tremendous pay-off, but with the odds against it.Strengths:
- Athletic testing was on the elite end of the scale and would have dominated at the Combine
- At 250 pounds he posted a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, 10-foot-11 broad jump and 7.03 three-cone
- Sudden lateral bursts as edge defender to widen out and close off perimeter runs
- Shows ability to flip hips over the top of the tackle as a rusher
- Big closing burst to the quarterback after he flattens around the arc
- Well-proportioned build with sturdy, balanced base through contact
- Smooth in space when asked to drop into coverage
Weaknesses:
- Nowhere near skilled enough as an edge defender at this point
- Doesn't show consistent ability to dominate at the lower level
- Considered more workout warrior than pro prospect currently
- Below average motor and instincts
- Needs to play much faster -- especially with upfield burst as rusher
- Lacks hand usage, go-to rush moves and workable counters
- Would like to see him take control at point of attack when setting the edge
- Doesn't play with enough knee bend in space.
