It's obvious that you studied McDonald, but your argument doesn't add up as him being a big project in our scheme. You say he has good hand technique (which is not a given for all 1st round pass rushers), he has a spin move (which most if not all, elite 1st round pass rushers, don't have or can't execute like McDonnald), randomness with pass rush moves is what makes them so effective, and you downgrade him for it.I started watching him a lot and I like him. I still don't like him enough to be a top 10 pick. I agree that he has massive upside.
Some of the things I see that are positives:
The reality is he is still a big project. He's not a plug and play Edge. He doesn't have refined moves other than a spin and a few counters. He can come screaming off the edge with good hand technique. Again...I'm just not sure it will work very much in the NFL. He will also need to get stronger and bigger (which he will do). The tape also shows OTs can neutralize him pretty quickly once they get their hands on him. His best move is the spin move that can become ineffective because he does it randomly at times.
- Explosive: Dude is really athletic and it will probably show up at the Combine.
- Bendy: He can definitely turn the corner while engaging with an OT.
- Dangerous counters: Because he is so quick, OTs are scared of him. He is able to execute counters (spins, hesi-steps). I'm not sure how much this will work with more athletic and more refined tackles in the league.
I don't know what the Seahawks are going to do. He does scream Seahawk to me. Someone full of traits. I wouldn't feel comfortable with taking him in the top 10 right now. Top 20? Maybe. I wouldn't hate it given what he has shown he can do and what he can become. It would still make me feel like it was a reach. But with 2 first round picks, you can gamble just a tad bit.
McDonnald also has good speed to power for his size. That speed/bend, with great spin move have offensive lineman on their heels and guessing...that's when he can change it up and long arm bull rush the o-lineman when they are back pedaling on their heels.
We both like him, if we got him at #20 I would think it would be the steal of the draft. Then at #5 I would be happy with whoever, for the most part.
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