Washington Commanders UDFA Spotlight: DB Robert McDaniel

Could McDaniel be Washington’s Talanoa Hufanga?

As one of the top HBCU prospects in the country, Robert McDaniel might be the most profiled undrafted free agent I have ever researched. There are over a dozen write-ups that tell his story and path to the NFL.

McDaniel had a circular college career, starting with Jackson State in 2019. He transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College the following year — moving to the junior college level in order to develop his skills. By 2022, he was back in the FCS at Alcorn State. Despite not starting full time, his second season there he was named a second-team HBCU All-American after posting 30 solo tackles, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions. McDaniel returned to Jackson State for his final season, logging 55 tackles, 10 Tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles on the way to helping JSU secure another SWAC Title and its first ever Celebration Bowl win. While his play improved annually, his performance at the HBCU combine was what really drew the attention of NFL scouts.

At 6’2”, 211 pounds, he has a prototypical NFL build and tested well in the explosion and speed categories including a 4.55 forty, 39.5″ vertical jump, and an impressive broad jump of 10’8″. His agility scores are rated poor, with a 3-Cone score roughly equivalent to Kam Curl’s.

McDaniel pairs his plus athleticism with a physical play style that shows up on tape. The words playmaker, tough, and aggressive are sprinkled throughout every one of his writeups, and it shows up on tape.

While he’s clearly great in run support, you may wonder about his coverage skills. Steelers Depot has a nice writeup on him, with most of the items listed under the “The Bad” section involving coverage as summarized below:

-Shows tight hips in turn and has trouble sticking in short areas/over the middle.

-Grabby and too aggressive in coverage, leading to him trailing and penalties.

-Questionable every-down/scheme fit role.

-Limited man coverage from slot/overhang, often asked to focus on run and play shallow underneath.

Despite some failings in coverage, McDaniel does possess great versatility and a high football IQ. As the nickel in Jackson State’s defense, he was tasked with setting the coverage based on the team’s plan and communicating it to the rest of the team. Beyond his football knowledge, Robert projects as a player that is appreciative of his opportunities and teammates, and would seem to be an easy fit in Dan Quinn’s locker room.

The biggest question I came across for Robert McDaniel is where he profiles at the next level. While versatile, he’s not a true cornerback, has some coverage issues at safety, and currently lacks the size to play linebacker. This reminded me of the profile our very own dg28 wrote in early April. Per usual, it is very informative, but it was the team fit portion that caught my eye.

His athletic testing numbers compare favorably to some of the best safety prospects in the draft and they translate to his play on the field. Whether lined up in the slot, at the line of scrimmage, or outside, his athleticism shows along with his high IQ. There’s a little Talanoa Hufanga in his game, a player Adam Peters is familiar with. It might take time for him to adjust to a step up in competition from the FCS to the NFL, but McDaniel appears up to the challenge

Hufanga was oft-cited in this year’s free agency cycle as a possible target for the Commanders. So how does McDaniel compare? In terms of play style, very well. Physicality and toughness are synonymous with both players. McDaniel tested better than Hufanga, although you will note each performed well in the explosion category with Talanoa’s 10’8” broad jump matching Robert’s mark.

Both players profile best near the line of scrimmage in a big nickel/dime role and ultimately I think that is the best fit for McDaniel in the NFL — as another safety/hybrid linebacker that arrives with violence.

What’s his path to the final 53? Oddly enough, I believe it hinges on the battle between Tyler Owens and Percy Butler for the 3rd Safety spot. If Owens can become a rotational piece, he may make Butler expendable. That would leave a spot open for a newcomer that shines on special teams and shows potential. I don’t think McDaniel will have a problem shining on special teams.

Could Robert McDaniel be Washington’s Talanoa Hufanga? Possibly. Hufanga always played better on the field than his testing would indicate; if given an opportunity McDaniel appears to have the potential to develop into a similar player for Dan Quinn’s defense. He just needs the opportunity.

(PostScript: The HBCU is a wonderful pathway for prospects like Robert McDaniel to attract national attention. If you want to read about his experience with the program, check out his interview with Draft Network )