Packers Profile: Kendall Donnerson
A profile of Packers 2018 draft pick Kendall Donnerson.
By Ryan Brunner
The Tape
- Position: Linebacker
- Age: 22
- Height: 6’ 3”
- Weight: 249 pounds
- 40-yard Dash: 4.44 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 40”
- Broad Jump: 10’ 11”
- Bench Press: 20 reps at 225 pounds
The Roots
Kendall Donnerson hails from Maumelle, Arkansas, a small town on the north side of Little Rock in the central portion of the state. At Maumelle High School, Donnerson was a two-star recruit coming out of his prep football program and was a two-time all-state selection as a linebacker. He was a four year starter and letter winner on the gridiron and also played on the varsity basketball team. As a senior, Donnerson recorded 120 tackles, 25 sacks and two fumble recoveries. During his junior year, he accumulated 100 tackles and 20 sacks.
With only a campus visit under his belt to the University of Arkansas, Donnerson committed to play football for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks program as part of the Ohio Valley Conference. Right away as a freshman, Donnerson would contribute and play in every game for the Redhawks. He recorded nine tackles, two tackles for a loss and one sack that season. He would continue to see the field during his sophomore season, recording 32 tackles and two forced fumbles. Donnerson became a starter at outside linebacker during his junior season and posted 53 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and four sacks. During his senior season with the program, he would record 53 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. Donnerson would earn All-Ohio Valley Conference honors for his efforts during his final season.
Prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, Donnerson participated in the Missouri Western pro day where he put up monster numbers. His 40-yard time, vertical and broad jumps would have put him near the top of each category at the combine. After a pre-draft visit with the Packers, they selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft with their 248th overall pick.
The Future
It has been highly noted that new General Manager Brian Gutekunst was targeting athletic players in the 2018 draft and no prospect proves that more than Kendall Donnerson. His scouting profile points out his strengths as having a great lateral burst and quick closing speed on quarterbacks when coming around the edge. He plays very well balanced and can drop into coverage when asked due to his speed.
His scouted weaknesses were questions on if he was skilled enough to make it in the NFL. While certainly athletic, some considered him a workout warrior versus being a true prospect to make an NFL roster.
Donnerson will enter training camp this summer as an extremely raw prospect at the EDGE rusher position. While having all of the athletic tools necessary to succeed, where he goes from here will come down to the coaching staff of the Packers and their effort to help develop him into a successful player at the NFL level. He seems to be the perfect player to spend a year on the practice squad to develop his skills as a pass rusher while also having the speed and size to potentially contribute on special teams as well.
For a seventh-round selection, the boom or bust potential definitely fits the bill for Kendall Donnerson. His potential makes him a great young player to keep an eye on moving forward for the Green Bay Packers.
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Ryan Brunner is an avid Packers fan hailing from Chippewa Falls, WI. He is a firm believer that punters are NFL players too! Follow him on Twitter @brunwardo
Comments (16)
Turophile
June 08, 2018 at 02:18 pm
I'd say forget all about Donnerson for the year..............except for ST. Just let the guy learn and IF (a big if) he can handle the mental stuff, he has a chance.
He already has two parts of what he needs, the hair-on-fire attitude and elite physical measurables. If he can get the mental part down well enough (still a pretty difficult task) he has a very good chance.
dobber
June 08, 2018 at 02:45 pm
Every team has a couple roster spots set aside for prospects who only contribute on ST and for core ST players. That's about his only ticket to the 53. He's going to have to show that his athleticism translates enough to be one of those guys. I don't worry about his making it to the PS if he gets cut unless he flashes a little bit on defense in the preseason.
NFL.com's draft report indicated that his effort seems to run hot-and-cold at times and that he really doesn't show the skill set of an edge player, yet. Hopefully they can get the most out of him...whatever that turns out to be.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kendall-donnerson?id=32462018-0002-5610-94...
Spock
June 09, 2018 at 09:23 am
dobber, Thanks for the link. I was a little concerned when the picture at the top of the screen showed no arms and then the "arms" listing was: --
Lol. He's definitely a 'develop' prospect but maybe he can make it on the 53 with ST play. Interesting prospect for a 7th rounder.
Bure9620
June 08, 2018 at 03:11 pm
Donnerson has a real possibility to make the 53. With that speed he could bring real value on special teams. Gunner??
hodge555
June 08, 2018 at 03:44 pm
Assuming he's any good at the role of course then I think he has a good chance of making the 53 by effectively replacing Janis as our ST gunner.
He's almost as fast as Janis, just as strong (both did 20 bp reps) but is 30 lbs heavier, which would be a nightmare for potential blockers.
Snake Plissken
June 08, 2018 at 04:08 pm
This guy will get a chance to replace Janice at gunner on punts.
He has real physical talent,.... but is he a football player?
dobber
June 09, 2018 at 09:23 am
"This guy will get a chance to replace Janice..."
Dammit...Janice!!!
Spock
June 09, 2018 at 09:25 am
Snake, I thought you were dead. Long time since you posted here. Welcome back!
Andrew Lloyd Peth
June 09, 2018 at 09:59 am
I think Donnerson needs to make the team.
Why? Multiple reasons:
1. This roster lacks athleticism, and that has crippled special teams. Donnerson's a freak missile.
2. There is no reason to keep 3 experienced OLB backups--Biegel and Gilbert will do just fine--so the 5th spot can (and should) go to a pure developmental athlete and special teamer. This is even more true with our deep D-Line producing more 4-3 looks.
3. Fackrell has improved, but just isn't impressive.
4. Cap is King, and Donnerson will have a couple more years on his rookie deal than Fackrell.
5. With Donnerson's freak athleticism and the likelihood of OLB injuries throughout the league this preseason, it's unlikely Donnerson will make it to our practice squad.
6. And finally, after Ted's incredibly stupid mistake of releasing Taysom Hill last year--I blew up in anger--Gute should know better.
Oppy
June 14, 2018 at 06:07 am
I don't think our ST units were crippled last year.
2017 Coverage Units gave up:
22.2 yards per kick return (22nd in NFL)
5.7 yards per punt return (6th in NFL)
0 TDs allowed on kicks/punts
2017 Return units gained:
21.7 yards per kick return (15th in NFL)
10.7 yards per Punt return,(2nd in NFL)
but, 0 punt/kick offs returned for TDs
Special Teams Kick units could certainly improve, particularly kick off coverage unit, but we're middle of league on kick return teams, and we're stellar on both coverage and return for punt units.
I would not say the Packers suffer a "crippled" special teams force.
Gianich
June 10, 2018 at 02:48 pm
Reggie Gilbert
LambeauPlain
June 11, 2018 at 12:40 pm
I see CMIII, Perry, Biegel, Gilbert as the top of the depth chart with Fackrell and Donnerson going for the 5th spot.
The interesting change this year is rookies on D should be able to absorb Pettine’s “KILL” (keep it likable and learnable) playbook vs Capers’ encyclopedia.
Pettine likes to employ his guys differently every week given how to best attack the opponents offense.
So there will be core guys in different spots every week and some different bench players in attack roles every week...depending on the opponent.
Donnerson would have little chance to make the 53 with the complicated Capers D. He has a shot to make Pettine’s sqaud. He has athleticism Pettine covets for his creative QB confusing and attack system.
hodge555
June 12, 2018 at 05:43 am
Career stats to date seem to be 2 tackles and an assist. His RAS score is quite low at 0.38 so not an athletic freak at all. No disrespect but with a deep position already I'd be surprised if he makes the team.
dobber
June 12, 2018 at 05:08 am
nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/joey-mbu?id=2552284
hodge555
June 12, 2018 at 05:44 am
Somehow managed to get a double post.
Oppy
June 14, 2018 at 06:12 am
This isn't the nicest thing I've ever posted, but I hope Donnerson shows more football IQ and aptitude for the game than he displays interpersonal skills. Watched a locker room interview with him a few weeks back, and.. I was concerned. Doesn't make him a bad guy and certainly doesn't indicate football prowess, but I came away with the feeling that if the scheme has a lot of moving parts, he may be at a disadvantage.
Ugh... it is what it is.