tdubs_truckernutz
Freshman
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2018
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- 182
This is a heavyweight matchup that essentially serves as an "NFL audition" for both players. While most will look at sacks and TFLs, scouts are looking at his "disruption rate." At 6'3" and 326 lbs, he’s the definition of a pocket-wrecker who makes his linebackers look like superstars; he has 3.5 sacks and 8 TFLs.
1. Kayden McDonald is exceptionally difficult to move on double teams because of his low center of gravity and natural leverage. Anez Cooper, standing 6'6", is a massive human, but he has to be careful not to play "too high." If McDonald gets under Cooper’s pads, he will collapse the front of the pocket directly into Carson Beck (who is now the signal-caller for Miami in this 2025 postseason scenario).
2. McDonald is "super fast" for his size, and the tape backs that up. He has a "short-area burst" that allows him to shoot gaps before a guard can even set their feet. If Cooper is a split-second slow on his pull or his initial step, McDonald will be in the backfield before the handoff even occurs.
3. Miami’s rushing success relies on Cooper creating vertical movement. If McDonald holds his ground (or "anchors"), Miami running backs will be forced to bounce runs outside, right into the teeth of the All-Star linebackers Reese and Styles.
What to Watch For:
• The First Step: If Cooper can stalemated McDonald at the line of scrimmage, Miami can establish the interior run.
• The "Bull Rush": Watch if McDonald tries to go right through Cooper’s chest to test his balance.
• Late-Game Fatigue: These are two massive athletes. In the 4th quarter, the player who keeps their pad level lower will likely win the day.
If Anez Cooper shuts down a player of McDonald's caliber—who is currently ranking as one of the best interior defenders in the nation—his jump into the Top 10 of NFL Draft boards is for real.
| Feature | Kayden McDonald | Anez Cooper |
| Position | DT | LG |
| Size | 6’3 326 | 6’6 350 |
| Key Stat | # 1 Power DT in tackles | 36+ consecutive starts |
| Draft stock | rising 1st day | potential top 10 Guard |
| Playing Style | High motor gap penetrator | Massive Power anchor |
1. Kayden McDonald is exceptionally difficult to move on double teams because of his low center of gravity and natural leverage. Anez Cooper, standing 6'6", is a massive human, but he has to be careful not to play "too high." If McDonald gets under Cooper’s pads, he will collapse the front of the pocket directly into Carson Beck (who is now the signal-caller for Miami in this 2025 postseason scenario).
2. McDonald is "super fast" for his size, and the tape backs that up. He has a "short-area burst" that allows him to shoot gaps before a guard can even set their feet. If Cooper is a split-second slow on his pull or his initial step, McDonald will be in the backfield before the handoff even occurs.
3. Miami’s rushing success relies on Cooper creating vertical movement. If McDonald holds his ground (or "anchors"), Miami running backs will be forced to bounce runs outside, right into the teeth of the All-Star linebackers Reese and Styles.
What to Watch For:
• The First Step: If Cooper can stalemated McDonald at the line of scrimmage, Miami can establish the interior run.
• The "Bull Rush": Watch if McDonald tries to go right through Cooper’s chest to test his balance.
• Late-Game Fatigue: These are two massive athletes. In the 4th quarter, the player who keeps their pad level lower will likely win the day.
If Anez Cooper shuts down a player of McDonald's caliber—who is currently ranking as one of the best interior defenders in the nation—his jump into the Top 10 of NFL Draft boards is for real.
