Overview
Athletic linebackers like O'Daniel are earning high marks from NFL scouts because they need to cover the middle of the field in passing situations. ACC coaches recognized O'Daniel's talent in 2017, naming him second-team all-conference after he led the Tigers with 103 tackles, including 11.5 for loss and five sacks, as well as three pass breakups in 14 starts. One of the top outside linebacker recruits in the nation after an excellent high school career in the Washington, D.C. metro area (all-state in Maryland with 1,307 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns as senior, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks as junior). O'Daniel redshirted in 2013, and then got into the action regularly as a freshman, starting once and leading the team with 13 special teams tackles (had 31 total stops, sack) in 12 games played. He once again paced the team with 19 special teams stops in 2015, and was credited with 32 total tackles in 15 games as a reserve. Given a chance to play more on defense as a junior (10 starts in 15 games), O'Daniel used his quickness and tenacious nature to make 60 stops, 10 for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
What O'Daniel lacks in size and speed at the linebacker spot, he makes up for with production and consistency. He may not have the tools to become a quality full-time starter at linebacker, but his outstanding career as a special teams cover talent could be enough to earn him a roster spot and a place in the league for years to come.
Strengths
Madman on special teams
Finished career with 48 special teams tackles and most of them in kick coverage
Has a gift for playing past kick return blocks and maintaining focus on the returner
Technically sound as tackler
Sees what he hits and drives upper body into target while wrapping to finish
Possesses agility for lateral tackles against cutback runs
Hustles to contain against perimeter runs
Offers versatility
Played near the line and matched up on slot targets
Redirects routes with force
Reads and squeezes from zone
Finished 2017 with seven passes defensed including two pick-six interceptions
Weaknesses
Just one season as starter
Has the frame of a big safety, but is an average athlete in space
Is a little sluggish in his directional change and needs a runway to get accelerate to top speed
Pursuit speed is below par
Often blocked by smaller slot players against spread rushing attacks
Needs to prove he can beat blocks near the line of scrimmage on next level
Gives up separation when matched in man coverage
Plays upright and needs to do better job of anticipating routes
04-27-2018, 09:00 PM
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*****The Dorian O'Daniel Thread*****
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