Dorian O'Daniel NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Kansas City Chiefs' Pick

POSITIVES

—Versatile athlete that will play on all special teams.

—Above-average lateral agility that helps weave through traffic in the box.

—Mental processing as a zone defender is impressive; shows awareness to match concepts.

—Drops chest and rolls hips through contact to be an efficient tackler.

NEGATIVES

—Undersized frame but doesn't run fast enough to back it up.

—Limited experience makes projection a question about whether 2017 was a flash in the pan.

—Short-area speed is limited and causes him to lead with chest because feet are behind.

—Will struggle to match up physically with tight ends in coverage.

—Struggles to get off blocks with physicality and can be locked up early in the rep.

OVERALL

Special teams value is critical for backup linebackers in the NFL. Dorian O'Daniel will have to prove he can continue to be a special teams standout while fighting for a depth role as a linebacker. A lack of size and pure speed make him a difficult player to find a position for. He's average in most areas and lacks a top-tier trait to hang his hat on, forcing evaluators to look long and hard when trying to find a fit.

GRADE: 5.65 (Round 5-6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Cory James, Oakland Raiders