Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

T.J. McDonald (USC) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #71 by STL

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T.J. McDonald - Pre-Draft Analysis (2013 NFL Draft)

Position: Safety
College: University of Southern California (USC)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 219 lbs
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round

Overview:

T.J. McDonald was considered one of the top safety prospects entering the 2013 NFL Draft. Known for his physical playing style and football intelligence, McDonald showcased his abilities during his time at USC, where he was a key contributor to the Trojans' defense.

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: McDonald demonstrated the ability to play both strong safety and free safety roles, making him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.
• Physicality: He is known for his aggressive tackling and ability to support the run defense, often stepping up to make plays near the line of scrimmage.
• Instincts: McDonald has a good understanding of offensive schemes and shows excellent anticipation, allowing him to react quickly to plays developing in front of him.
• Leadership: As a team captain at USC, he displayed strong leadership qualities and was known for his work ethic and dedication on and off the field.

Areas for Improvement:

• Coverage Skills: While McDonald has shown potential in coverage, he needs to improve his ability to match up against faster receivers and tight ends in man-to-man situations.
• Consistency: At times, his tackling technique can be inconsistent, leading to missed tackles and big plays by opponents.
• Injury History: McDonald had some injury concerns during his collegiate career that could affect his draft stock and future durability in the NFL.

Conclusion:

T.J. McDonald was a highly regarded safety prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, with the potential to be a starter at the professional level. His combination of physicality, instincts, and versatility made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. However, his coverage skills and injury history were factors that teams had to consider when evaluating his draft position.