With the 249th pick (shesh) in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select DT Clinton McDonald, Memphis.
From Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
Athletic with good speed and quickness...Explosive with a burst...Real smooth with decent range...Excellent strength...Can penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Has a great motor...Tough and will play through pain...Physical...Aggressive...Offers some versatility...Team leader...Great work ethic...Nice production...Has a lot of experience.
Weaknesses:
A bit of 'tweener...Doesn't have great bulk...Short arms...Is not overly stout at the point of attack...A sub par run defender...Doesn't use his hands well...Has some trouble shedding blocks...Level of competition?
Notes:
A three-year starter for the Tigers...Named 1st Team All-Conference USA as a senior...Started 44 consecutive games before missing some time with an ankle injury in 2008...Recorded 4 sacks against Arkansas St. in 2008...At his Pro Day workout he ran a 4.83, bench pressed 225 pounds 36 times, vertical leaped 38 inches and broad jumped 10'1"...Former linebacker who might also be able to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme...Profiles as a three-technique at the next level and possesses an awfully intriguing blend of physical tools and intangibles.
Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated rated McDonald as a "riser" during Pro Day workouts.
Clinton McDonald/DL/Memphis: McDonald was a surprise non-invite to the combine in February but made scouts take notice with his tremendous pro-day workout one week ago. McDonald measured 6-foot-2 and 283 pounds, completed 36 reps on the bench and posted a 38-inch vertical jump. His forty times averaged 4.83 and McDonald was swift in the short shuttle with a time of 4.46. Scouts were high on McDonald throughout his senior season and the Memphis product may have moved into the middle rounds with his performance.