File LB-296 · National rank 2318 · 2027 class
Derek McDonald
6'4"Height
230 lbWeight
My Grade
4.6/10
UDFA
Current · UDFA Territory
4.0 Floor
range 0.9
Ceiling 4.9
4.9/10
UDFA
Ceiling · +0.3
4.0/10
Long Shot
Floor · −0.6
Ceiling: Projected 2026 starter (LB1) — real opportunity to climb; close to ceiling (+0.3) · up-year team · ACC draft-temper · LB lower-value.
Floor: Proven starter — high, stable floor · returning-starter role secures it; downside −0.6.
Grade not yet reviewed
8.9+
Round 1 Caliber
7.8+
Day 2 Caliber
6.7+
Day 3 Caliber
5.6+
Priority UDFA
4.4+
UDFA
3.3+
Long Shot
2.2+
Raw Prospect
1.1+
Deep Project
0.0+
Non-Prospect
Grade History
4.6
2025
Re-graded after each season · 2025 is the beta baseline.
Scouting Notes
McDonald is a sixth-year Syracuse vet brought in for leadership and depth after his production tailed off in an injury-shortened 2025 (he was a 50-60 tackle starter in 2023-24). Experienced stop-gap, not a prospect.
Draft Projection & Mocks
Scouting Reports & Mentions
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