FanPost

Is Aaron Donald worth a Falcons' 1st round pick? (To You)

Aaron Donald runs a filthy 4.6, highlights crazy day for defensive linemen at NFL Combine (via haber dk)


When many fans heard of Aaron Donald's performance at the Senior Bowl, many were all for drafting him. This was under the notion that he would be a 2nd round pick. Couple his SB performance (practice included) with his 29.5 sack, 66 TFL collegiate career, and his FREAK-A-ZOID combine numbers he is sure to be a 1st round pick.

Pre-draft measurables

Ht Wt Arm length Hand size 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP
6 ft 0 ¾ in 285 lb 32 ⅝ in 9 ⅞ in 4.68 s 1.59 s 7.11 s 32 in 9 ft 8 in 35 reps
All values from NFL Combine[6]

Would he be worth a top 20 pick if the Falcons traded down for an extra 2nd and possibly 3rd rounder this year? (Maybe even more than that)

REASONS FOR DRAFTING DONALD:

  • 2013: 59 Tackles, 28.5 TFL, 11 sacks, 4 Forced fumbles, 3 Pass deflections -per http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1.html
  • As of 03/09/2014, DT is Falcons #1 priority
  • Has credited new Falcons' DL coach Bryan Cox with improving his game.
  • Has shown all-around DT characteristics, with exceptional ability to disrupt the QB
  • Falcons pass rush in 2013 was putrid
  • Only the good albeit injured Corey Peters remains on the roster at DT
  • Babs reported unlikely to return by ESPN's Vaughn McClure
  • Nobody wants to see Jerry in a Falcons' uniform for the next millennium
  • Would bring much needed pressure up the middle and improve the effectiveness of a defense that often sees pass rushers dropping into coverage
  • Comparisons to Geno Atkins
  • Getting extra 2nd allows the Falcons to address OL & DL in the 2nd round
  • NFL Comparisons: Aaron Donald (via National Football League (NFL))

    "It is what it is," he said. "Thinking about it or letting it get me mad isn’t going to get me any taller. All I can do is go out there and play the game of football that way I play it, hard-nosed and making plays." -Aaron Donald

<em>This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.</em>