DeAndre McDaniel Scouting Report

DeAndre McDaniel did not move into a starting spot at strong safety until the 2009 season, but he was a big part of the Clemson defense since his freshman year in 2007. McDaniel earned some All-ACC freshman honors that season when he tallied 33 tackles. As a linebacker in 2008, McDaniel started off the season slowly, but had 51 of his 77 tackles on the season in the last seven games. Arguably the best game of his career up to that point came in the Gator Bowl against Nebraska when he had two tackles-for-loss and returned a fumble 28 yards for a touchdown.

The late season success in 2008 paved the way for high expectations in 2009. Despite moving to the strong safety position, McDaniel posted 102 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks and picked off an amazing eight passes, including one that went for a touchdown.

Heading into 2010, NFL scouts wanted to see what McDaniel could do as the leader of the secondary. The Clemson pass defense is certainly not as effective this season compared to last, but McDaniel's decision to return for his senior season is paying off. McDaniel is having a fine senior season and should be near the top (if not at the top) of the list of strong safeties taken in the 2011 draft.

3/22 Update: The big concern with McDaniel is his speed. At Clemson he was not asked to drop into deep coverage very often. His lack of speed shown at the NFL combine has some very concerned about his ability to play safety at the next level. McDaniel may still be the first strong safety taken, but it will not likely happen until the third or fourth round.