Athleticism: 5.62

Q.A.B. / C.O.D.: 5.50

Has a decent initial quickness for his size but as far as COD goes, he is slow in that regard. His hips don't seem to be loose enough to change direction quickly.

Flexibility: 4.80

Isn't very flexible at all in his hips. This is shown as he has very high pad level and doesn't have much bend to him when rushing the passer.

Explosiveness: 5.80

For a player his size, I'd like to see more explosion. There are times that he explodes through and dominates, but it is far too rare.

Playing Speed: 6.00

For his size, he shows a decent amount of speed when having to track down a ball carrier in the open field. It won't blow you away but it is adequate for his size and position.

Coordination: 6.00

Shows a good ability to move in space, especially for his size. However, still plays straight up and down and stiff.

Pass Rush Ability: 6.06

Initial Quickness: 6.00

Has a quick first few steps which he tries to use to his advantage. If he can't be an offensive lineman with his first couple steps, he will usually lose the battle.

Use of Hands: 6.50

Will shoot his hands but struggles to fight physically to get his opponent's hands off of him.

Leverage: 6.00

Is too inconsistent with this trait to get him a better rating. Plays with a very high pad level at times which gives offensive linemen an advantage and makes it hard for him to get off blocks.

Pass Rush Moves: 5.30

Mainly relies on bull rush but will work swim and spin moves occasionally. Will need to work on this at the next level.

Finish Ability: 6.50

When he gets past the opposing lineman, he does a solid job of finishing. Even if it doesn't end in a sack, he puts pressure on the quarterback to make a quick decision.

Competitiveness: 6.50

Toughness: 6.00

Needs to get physically tougher at the next level. For a player his size, he struggles on too many occasions to get off blocks.

Consistency/Motor: 6.80

For a big man, he plays with a high motor. Even in negative plays, he is constantly fighting trying to get off blocks and get to the ball.

Production: 6.70

2018 - 36 tackles, 6 TFL, 1.5 sacks

Against The Run: 6.27

Play with Leverage: 6.00

Just like with his pass rush, he plays extremely high at times which makes it hard to get off blocks. He also doesn't have great pad level when making first contact on tackles.

Stack and Shed: 5.50

Struggles to get separation and get his opponent's hands off of him. Needs to work on punching his hands and getting fully extended.

Gap Shooting Ability: 6.30

Shoots gaps fairly smoothly. Can work on getting lower pad level to make it easier to explode through the gaps before the offensive lineman gets his hands on him.

Run at Him: 7.00

Is a great run stopper when the play is going towards him. When he gets to the ball carrier, he makes plays. Also has shown ability to clog up space in order to let linebackers flow over top.

Run Away: 5.40

Isn't going to run players down from the opposite side of the field very often but does show effort.

Tackling/Hitting: 7.40

Is a sure tackler when he puts himself in position to make plays. Only missed tackles are due to poor timing.

Intelligence: 6.77

Instincts: 6.50

Seems to play with urgency and is aware of where the ball is at all times.

Learn/Retain: 6.30

After a negative play, Russell always comes back fighting even harder to correct his mistakes.

Teamwork: 7.50

Is always quick to celebrate with his teammates when they make big plays. Will also give effort to get down field and make a block on an interception or fumble return.

STRENGTHS:

Russell is a great defensive tackle to have to clog up gaps and be a run stopper. His frame alone helps him do just that. He will also give you 100% effort on every down, which is huge for a lineman his size. Russell is also a very good team player which is good to have in any locker room.

WEAKNESSES:

The main thing that concerns me with Russell is his pad level. He plays way too high at times which makes it hard for him to shed blocks. He can also work on his flexibility. Getting more flexible with a better bend would help Russell tremendously when rushing the passer or shooting gaps. Also needs to work on his stack and shed techniques. He can seems to get outreached and struggles to gain separation in order to get off blocks.

BIG PICTURE:

Dontavius Russell had a solid four-year career as a member of the Auburn Tigers. After redshirting his first year on campus, Russell came in and started as a redshirt freshman, finishing with 42 tackles, 4.5 TFL ,and 1.5 sacks. As a sophomore, Russell returned as a starter and finished the season with 29 total tackles. Russell's junior season was his best season at Auburn as he finished the year with 46 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and three sacks. Those numbers put him on the preseason Bednarik Award and Senior Bowl watch lists going into his final season. In his final season as a Tiger, Russell finished with 36 tackles, 6 TFL, and 1.5 sacks. His performance earned him Second and Third Team All-SEC honors by multiple media outlets as well as an invite to the Senior Bowl. As a pro, Russell will likely be a run situation defensive tackle/nose guard. He is the type of player that will be used in goal line and short yardage situations to clog up gaps and stop the run. I see a team taking him on Day 3 of the NFL Draft and using him as a depth player. If put in the right situation and given time to develop, he could increase his playing time over time and become a reliable player at the next level.

Projected Round: 5-7

Team Fits: Steelers, Jaguars, Ravens

NFL Comparison: Pat Sims

Dontavius Russell

Position: Defensive Tackle

College: Auburn

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 320 lbs

SCOUTING GRADE

6.02

Injury History: 2018 Offseason: Dislocated Thumb (Car Crash), No Major Injury History

Games Evaluated: 2018: Washington, LSU, Mississippi St

Scout: Ryan Lippert

Scouting Report