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Dexter McDonald was overshadowed by Jacorey Shepherd at cornerback last year, but was actually a very solid cover corner in his own right since returning to Kansas for his last two years of college football. Let's take a look at his profile heading into the NFL draft.
2014 Stats
28 solo tackles, 7 assisted, 35 total tackles
2 interceptions, returned for 72 yards
15 passes defended
1 forced fumble
Pro Day/Combine Results
Height/Weight: 6'1", 200 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds
225 lb bench press: 10 reps
Vertical jump: 40.5 inches
Broad jump: 11'2"
3-cone drill: 6.93 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.56 seconds
Strengths (per NFL.com)
Outstanding size and length for the position. Has athleticism to open hips and run from press coverage with stride and recovery speed to make up ground quickly. Play strength off of snap a plus. Can be very disruptive with his jam. Does most of his work from press but sifts through and digests combo routes with awareness. Aggressive hands to disrupt the catch. Had 15 passes defensed this season. Shows desired foot quickness and transition potential for a big corner.
Weaknesses (per NFL.com)
Built to be a press and bail cornerback, but high center of gravity prevents him from being able to stop quickly and adjust to curls and hitches underneath. Anticipates outside release and finds himself behind when receiver fakes out and makes move back inside. Must improve feel for receiver during route. Will allow too much space rather than crowding. Has had pass interference problems over last two years. Slow to track downfield throws. Improved tenacity against run and run blocking needed.
Prediction
McDonald will be a late round pick or undrafted free agent. NFL.com rates him a 5.12, which puts him in the range of "better than average chance to make an NFL roster," which is very encouraging. McDonald's size and speed are going to appeal to NFL teams, even if his technique will need some work here and there. I won't be shocked if McDonald doesn't get his name called at the podium, but I'll be surprised if he doesn't at least have an UDFA contract signed by the end of the weekend.