Aaron Donald
Defensive Tackle
Pittsburgh
Donald is right at the top of the conversation for the top defensive tackle that will come off the board. Donald dominated in practically every game in 2013. Donald played the three technique role at Pittsburgh and that’s exactly what he’ll play in the NFL. The three technique is the defensive tackle who gets better match ups, more one on ones, so that they can wreak havoc in the backfield, and Donald does that perfectly.
Lately the NFL has been transitioning to favor interior pressure more, as it doesn’t let the quarterback step up and make his throws accurately. In many ways interior pressure is better than outside pressure because a quarterback is going to have a much harder time avoiding someone in front of them, rather than the outside guys where you can step up to avoid them.
How Donald fits needs
The Bears could desperately use some interior pressure, or any pressure at all really. The Bears finished tied for last with only 31 sacks last year. They’re listed starters at defensive tackle Stephen Paea, Jay Ratliff, combined for a massive three sacks all of last year. The Bears defense became a bit of an embarrassment last year, creating pressure in a division with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford is important, and Donald can do that.
Potential Impact as a Rookie
Donald has the strength and skill to make a big impact as a rookie. He could very possibly enter that Bears defense and lead it in sacks in his first year. Not only are sacks important, but creating pressure on the quarterback will greatly help that secondary which is subpar. Donald can’t fix this entire defense, very few players in the entire league have that ability, but Donald would be key part of its turnaround.
What Donald does well
Donald does almost everything well. He’s a fierce pass rusher who can angle around people, or use a spin move to beat offensive lineman. Donald is very quick off the snap which allows for him to get into ideal position versus lineman. Donald’s special skill is getting to the quarterback and dominating the pocket, and he does so like very few in this draft class.
What Donald struggles with
Donald can struggle to beat double teams, but most players do. What holds Donald back to most is his size, at 6’1”, 285 pounds, Donald isn’t the most physically imposing defensive tackle. He has average height, but is a little light for the defensive tackle position. Donald could possibly put on more weight to help with his run defense, but if that takes away from his quickness, it’d be a bad idea.