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So You've Drafted Andrew Donnal: A New Owner's Guide

Congratulations! You've just made the wonderful decision to draft Andrew Donnal! Like most new Donnal owners, you're no doubt filled with questions about your new family member. We here at BHGP will try our best to answer any questions you might have.

By RossWB
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

HELLO ST LOUIS

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT ANDREW DONNAL?

He was a starting offensive lineman at Iowa.  Seriously, that's his biggest accomplishment -- but it's not an inconsiderable one, given the pedigree at that position.  Donnal was a jack-of-all-trades early in his Iowa career, shuffling between right guard and right tackle. He locked down the right tackle position in 2014, starting all 13 games at that position.  That said, his versatility and ability to play inside should give him a chance to succeed in the NFL -- he's not a prototypical NFL tackle prospect by any means.  He also has pretty fantastic hair.

WHAT DID HE DO THAT WAS SO GREAT?

Donnal was (obviously) overshadowed by his fellow tackle, Brandon Scherff, but Donnal has probably been Iowa's second or third-best offensive lineman over the last few seasons.  He was never flashy and was rarely prone to deliver punishing blocks on opposing blitzers, but he was a very solid and consistent performer for Iowa.  He was a steady presence on the right side of Iowa's line, especially in pass protection.  Donnal also honed his technique during his five years at Iowa and his technical proficiency is undoubtedly one of his biggest selling points.

HOW ARE HIS PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES?

They're decent, but not exceptional.  Like so many Iowa offensive linemen before him, his arms are a little on the short side.  But at 6-6, 313 lbs, he's hardly undersized as a whole.  Unlike Scherff, he's not a complete physical freak in terms of strength or agility... of course, if he was he wouldn't be getting drafted in the fourth round, either.

NFL DRAFT COMBINE

HEIGHT WEIGHT ARM HAND 1ST 40-YARD 2ND 40-YARD 40-YARD OFFICIAL
6'6" 313 33 1/2" 10" 5.31 DNP 5.31
10-YARD DASH BENCH VERTICAL BROAD 3-CONE SHUTTLE 60-YARD
DNP 17 32" 101" 7.84 4.77 DNP

PRO DAY RESULTS

HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT ABOUT THE BAD?

He's not incredibly strong and sometimes struggled to generate a good push in the run game.  He relies on technique more than power and struggles to handle elite athleticism and power, which could make it challenging for him to bookend an NFL offensive line.

WAS THIS A GOOD DRAFT PICK?

Sure, as long as your expectations are reasonable. He's probably not going to come in and challenge for a starting spot immediately.  And while he played a lot of right tackle at Iowa, his NFL destiny may be as a right guard (where he started at Iowa and where was very solid).  But he works hard and understands the technical side of the offensive line position well -- given time, he could be a solid member of an NFL offensive line rotation.