Grading System

LAMARCUS MCDONALD

Position: OLB Class: Underclassman School: TCU Conference: C-USA Ht., Wt.: 6'0½, 227 40 Time: 4.98 Grade: 3.48

BIO: Two time All-Conference selection and Defensive Player of the Year in Conference USA last season. Led the team with 118 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 81/2 sacks, while also breaking up four passes. Named to several All-America teams. Numbers the prior year where 80-25-6, after 33 tackles his first season on the field. Had the potential to return for one more season of college football but bypassed the opportunity. Playing weight is near the 210-pound mark. POSITIVES: Undersized, yet explosive linebacker who makes a lot of plays in the offensive backfield. Quick filling the gaps and hard hitting at the point of attack. Leaves ball carriers stunned yet at the same time squares and wraps up tackling. Disciplined with a good head for the ball, plays assignment football and always looking to get involved in the action. Effectively uses hand technique to keep opponents away and rarely off his feet. Plays much faster than he times. NEGATIVES: Better in a straight line and up the field against the run rather than in reverse defending the pass. Lacks the quick, fluid change of direction and not fast to the flanks. Minimal experience and production in coverage. ANALYSIS: Displayed one day of outstanding linebacker skills at Senior Bowl practices which helped his cause but a lack of size, coupled with deficient pass cover skills may end up knocking him late into the draft. May be better off in a three-four alignment and should be a terror on special teams. PROJECTION: Late Fifth Round Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images