2021 NFL Draft: DeVonta Smith and others who boosted stock in 2020
By John Blair
Malcolm Koonce, DE, Buffalo
One of the most feared pass rushers in the MAC over the last couple of years has been Buffalo defensive end, Malcolm Koonce. In 2019 Koonce led the conference in sacks with nine and this season in just six games he was able to record five sacks. He was also named to the All-MAC team both years and is one of the more highly regarded players coming from the conference in the 2021 NFL Draft.
What makes him one of the higher regarded players in the MAC this year is a combination of pass-rushing skills, high motor, and athletic ability. As a pass rusher, he shows a variety of pass-rushing moves and also does a nice job of using his hands to keep offensive lineman off of him.
His high motor also allows him to make plays on a consistent basis, whether it be chasing a ball carrier down from behind or getting an effort sack based on his outstanding effort. He also is a solid athlete for someone from the MAC. Buffalo plays him as both a standup defensive end or as a down lineman and he shows the agility to handle both roles.
When it comes to where Koonce will go in the 2021 NFL Draft, you will probably see his name called on day three. This is due to the fact he lacks that great burst you want to see from a pass rusher and doesn’t have the elite traits players going on day or day two poses.
He likely will find a role as a rotational defensive lineman and someone who can help out on special teams in the NFL.