Prospect Watch: DeAndre McDaniel - SS - Clemson

I think we all know the Bengals are thin at the safety position on the roster. Chris Crocker is serviceable and has played well for the city since he arrived but he is coming back from serious knee surgery. Roy Williams was not the answer it is unlikely he is resigned. I loved the pick up of Reggie Nelson late last season from Jacksonville. I still feel the need to upgrade the talent level at safety. We need a young play maker to play opposite of Reggie next season. Sorry Ndukwe you already had the opportunity of a lifetime. There are plenty of nice prospects and underclassmen in this years draft but most will be long gone by the end of the 3rd round. I would love to see DeAndre McDaniel out of Clemson taken in the 3rd or 4th round by the Bengals.

DeAndre collected 285 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 15 interceptions, 16 quarterback pressures, 20 pass breakups, and three caused fumbles in 2,683 snaps over 52 games in his career at Clemson. At 6ft & 213 pounds DeAndre has a rock-hard frame and solid height for the position. CBS Sports has his 40 time listed at quick 4.54. Good enough recovery speed if he gets beat deep to get back to where he needs to be in coverage. He has shown the ability to make a competitive play on the ball when he gets the chance. McDaniel is a very physical player with a competitive streak that makes him a good fit for the ACF North battle field. He has a good motor and plays with a lot of intensity on the field.

Has some character issues, was arrested for assault in 2008. With the way he plays on the field, I would guess he is an emotional fellow. Let’s just hope this was an isolated incident and not a sign of a hot head talking with his hands. I have read that McDaniel will get beat deep when in deep-half coverage sniffing the line of scrimmage to stuff the run. He was a linebacker before moving to safety prior to 2009 season. So he only has two years of experience in the defensive backfield. He will take some work but what prospect is perfect?

View his highlight reel and tell me does his ability warrant a 1st or 2nd round grade?