2018 NFL Draft: Dorian O’Daniel Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Clemson’s Dorian O’Daniel is a hybrid safety/linebacker 2018 NFL Draft Prospect.
Dorian O’Daniel is an explosive playmaker who has some questions regarding his position at the next level. However, he has more than enough athletic ability and previous production to come off the board in the middle of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Clemson mainly used O’Daniel as an outside linebacker who would bump into the slot in multiple receiver sets. He is someone who jumps off the screen thanks to his explosive burst and ability to deliver big hits.
O’Daniel has a nose for the football and plays with a non-stop motor. His commitment to trusting his reads helps him quickly attack the ball carrier.
He is an aggressive defender who looks to work at or behind the line of scrimmage. O’Daniel is at his best when he’€™s able to work in space. This means that he’€™ll be most effective working behind a defensive line capable of occupying blocks.
In coverage, O’Daniel features the quick-twitch ability needed to click and close on the football. His best fit is in zone coverage where he can read the quarterback.
O’€™Daniel doesn’t have the most fluid hips which will create problems in man coverage. This is why he doesn’t fit as a traditional safety. His overall size and build is that of a bigger safety which makes him undersized for the linebacker position.
However, the NFL has made a change in how they see these type of prospects. There are plenty of smaller linebackers who have excelled in hybrid roles. O’€™Daniel absolutely has the skills to fit a similar role.
The key for him will be landing with a team that understands his strengths and weaknesses. He isn’t someone you want working in deep coverage or taking on blocks in traffic. However, O’Daniel will fly to the football and attack the gaps.