FCS Diamonds in the Rough: Kendall Donnerson
The draft is finally upon us. While everyone is trying to focus 0n who the Browns will take on day one, I am more interested in what they choose to do on day three. The draft is won or lost in the late rounds. These late picks are where you can find some of the greatest players of all time – even FCS players. This year’s draft is loaded with talent from the Football Championship Series.
Players from the FCS are typically overlooked because they didn’t play FBS talent teams. While that may be true, the FCS is still an incredibly talented and competitive division. These guys all come in with a chip on their shoulder. They didn’t get those FBS offers and they know that if they want to make it to the NFL they know they will have to work their butts off. That being said, there are a couple of prospects who I think could be real diamonds in the rough if the Browns can grab them in the late rounds.
The first is Kendall Donnerson, linebacker, from Southeast Missouri State. Now, I am a little partial to Kendall because I am a student assistant coach at Southeast, however, Kendall is an absolute freak of an athlete. He measures in at 6’3″ and 250 pounds. At SEMO, he was predominately used as an edge rusher. In his senior season, he posted an impressive six sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He was the driving force for the monstrous pass-rush at SEMO that finished ranked sixth in the FCS for total sacks. He also posted some crazy numbers at Missouri Western’s pro-day. He recorded at 4.44 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical and a 10’11” broad jump. Those numbers at the combine would’ve been at the top for pass-rushers and were even up right up there for outside linebackers. He is one of those guys who is right on the bubble of being drafted or not. However, his freak athleticism and size could really give his stock a boost to at least the seventh round.
One team that has shown a lot of interest in Kendall has been the Green Bay Packers. They have brought him in for private workouts and interviews. They hold picks 232 and 239 in the 7th round. However, the Browns control pick 219. I have received word that the Browns are in love with Kendall. It would make sense for them to draft him at 219 because of how clear it’s been the Packers want him. If the Browns choose not to go with Bradley Chubb at four, that could clear it up for Kendall. He is one of those guys who really could start on day one. He has amazing work ethic and is a real leader. He could also go in and just start off as a backup in case something were to happen to any of our pass rushers or linebackers. He also played defensive tackle for a little bit when he was first starting out at SEMO. If the Browns do happen to take a chance on Kendall, I know he will make Gregg Williams a very happy defensive coordinator.
Image: ESPN
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