*****The Dorian O'Daniel Thread*****

[Dante84]

More to come...

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

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

They announced him as a LB, so that’s what the Chiefs put down

Sorenson lines up as a LB in subpackages. I think this guy is going to be his replacement.

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

We should be able to stop the run...

[cabletech94]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

@TerezPaylor: O'Daniel and Chiefs CB Kendall Fuller are basically best friends. Fuller is with O'Daniel right now as he interviews over the phone with the Chiefs media

seriously, thats team chemistry right there. im intrigued.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by staylor26

It’s the only thing that makes sense when we already have Hitchens and Ragland.

I’m cool with it. They play a lot of sub packages, and he’ll makes some plays

[Nickhead]

Originally Posted by staylor26

It’s the only thing that makes sense when we already have Hitchens and Ragland.

im all for a safety version of derrick johnson of yesteryear

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Sorenson lines up as a LB in subpackages. I think this guy is going to be his replacement.

Yeah that makes sense then. Sorensen might actually be ok if he just plays safety. He was in 2016 when he did.

[Titty Meat]

No more giving up 100 yards to pedestrian RBs in the playoffs after tonight's draft

[Clyde Frog]

Originally Posted by Nickhead

im all for a safety version of derrick johnson of yesteryear

He reminded me of a mini-DJ, too. It's the direction changes and the way he peels off blocks.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Titty Meat

No more giving up 100 yards to pedestrian RBs in the playoffs after tonight's draft

This team has been getting pushed around by the Steelers and Titans for two years running.

No more.

[Nickhead]

Originally Posted by Clyde Frog

He reminded me of a mini-DJ, too. It's the direction changes and the way he peels off blocks.

[Simplicity]

This kid will be a way better fit for the role Sorenson was put into last year. He looks like a very aggressive hitter.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

This kid will be a way better fit for the role Sorenson was put into last year. He looks like a very aggressive hitter.

And faster

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

@TerezPaylor: O'Daniel and Chiefs CB Kendall Fuller are basically best friends. Fuller is with O'Daniel right now as he interviews over the phone with the Chiefs media

No idea who he is, my draft guide doesnt even rank him

But if we couldnt get his brother Kyle, then one of his best friends is a potential consolation prize... maybe create some synergy back there, see if they'll push each other and hold the other accountable

Underwhelming, but just gonna have to trust Veach on this

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

This kid will be a way better fit for the role Sorenson was put into last year. He looks like a very aggressive hitter.

Well, granted... Sorensen was put into Berry's role. He played almost every snap. I don't see Dorian doing that. I could see him doing what Sorensen did two years ago.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

VERSATILE