Donovan Darden

Fast-rising EDGE prospect with the tools to develop into a top talent at the position. Measured at around 6-foot-4, 225 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and 9.5-inch hands before his senior season. Began his career as a quarterback/athlete before blossoming into a front-seven defender and pass rusher as a senior. Showed marked improvement in his first full year of defense as a senior, finishing with 24 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 29 hurries in 14 games. Lines up as a pass rusher from 3-point and 2-point stances. Loose mover with notable ankle flexion. Functional athlete who easily changes direction and flashes short area burst. Flexibility allows for high-level bend around the edge. Can beat offensive tackles with his speed and ability to dip. Strong run defender, using his length to corral ball carriers. Makes some eye-popping plays in backside pursuit. Shows his play speed and effort level in running ball-carriers down from behind over 50 yards downfield. Looked like the clear top prospect at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas following his senior season. Recruited as a linebacker, but the highest upside - both physically and skill-wise appears to be as a pass-rusher. Frame should easily be able to hold 250+ pounds. Will need to continue developing technique, but the level of play in his lone year of defensive football points to a very high upside. If he grows into a true EDGE, has the upside to be an early NFL Draft pick.