However, is a savvy pass rusher who does a good job slowly playing his initial rush, changing gears and accelerating past opposing tackles. Also displays good lateral quickness as a pass rusher with the ability to cleanly snap off an inside move. Has some natural power on his punch as well, extends his arms well and can use his length to at times create a jolt on contact and simply slip the block laterally outside. Isn't as impressive when engaged and struggled to fight his way off blocks. But is a tough guy to get a hold of.
Lacks the type of size to consistently anchor vs. the run game at the point of attack. Displays the ability to fight off blocks and works well in pursuit, closing with a passion and taking swipes at the football, but doesn't strike me as a real physical two-down player. However, has some fluidity to his game, possesses good range in pursuit and strikes me as a guy who can drop and make a living as a 3-4 rush backer. Was productive as a senior and looks ready for the next level.
Impression: Looks like a 3-4 rush linebacker at the next level, still has some upside, but isn't dynamic in any area of the game."
Weaknesses: Not explosive off the snap and has only average strength, gets driven out of plays. Struggles to shed blocks and his legs go dead when engaged. Seems uncomfortable in his stance and often does not get in a football-ready position before the ball is snapped. Fails to recover once linemen get leverage. Doesn't avoid cut blocks. Has an inconsistent motor, taking plays off and gives up on plays when he feels his teammates will make the tackle. Does not display aggression as a pass rusher. Lackadaisical attitude in zone coverage. Lacks balance and struggles to make plays in space. Limited repertoire of pass-rush moves, relying on speed rush to the outside. Admits he was too cocky upon arrival in Fort Worth and says the redshirt year was just what he needed."
Positive: Productive college pass rusher with poor size/speed numbers for the next level. Moves well on his feet, plays with good pad level, and makes plays down the line of scrimmage. Quickly changes direction, effectively drops off the line, and plays in space when necessary. Adequate speed off the edge, works his hands throughout the action, and chases plays hard. Shows an array of moves working to get off blocks.
Negative: Undersized and struggles getting off blocks once engaged the point. Not forceful up the field when stood up over tackle. Has poor speed.
Analysis: Daniels was a forceful player for TCU the past two seasons but lacks the size to be an every-down defensive end and the speed to play linebacker. He's a potential nickel pass rusher in third-down situations."
Negatives: Not overly explosive... Does not drop into coverage much... Lacks good strength at POA... Loses ground at POA... Lacks the size and strength to play defensive end in the NFL... Third down specialist or situational pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme... May be a product of TCU's coaches and defensive scheme, a bunch of recent TCU DE/LB have underperformed in the NFL."
Weaknesses: Doesn't have the strength to anchor at the POA. Doesn't protect his legs well, as he is cut down too often. His size will force him to make the move to OLB in a 3-4 scheme and he will have to show that he has the ability to drop into coverage and play from a two-point stance.
Projection: Sixth or seventh rounder. A team may take a chance on him late in the draft because of his athletic ability, but Daniels will have make the transition to OLB due to his size."
In 2009 Daniels finally stepped into a starting role at the defensive end spot and ranked second on the team with 5.5 sacks behind only Jerry Hughes. Daniels added 9.0 tackles-for-loss and 50 tackles. As a result Daniels earned Second-Team All-Mountain West Conference accolades. With Hughes off in the NFL, 2010 was supposed to be Daniels year. Early on it appeared to be the case as Daniels tallied 5.5 sacks in the four early season games, but ended his senior campaign with just one more sack. His 6.5 sacks still led the team and it was often Daniels who garnered most of the attention from the opposing offensive line.
Daniels will likely move to the outside linebacker position in the NFL. Ideally that would be as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but he could be an end in a 4-3 as a pass rushing specialist. The fact that he is generally not considered strong enough to be an end or fast enough to be a linebacker is hurting Daniels' draft stock and he will likely be a late round selection."
Projected as a Late Rounder, he could be a MONSTER Steal!!
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