Donald Lee
TE, Mississippi St. · 2003 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #156 (MIA)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 133 of ~144 possible regular-season games from 2003 through 2011 (~92%). Last NFL season: 2011.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Mississippi St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.82 40-yard dash at 249 lbs: faster than 21% of TEs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
TE (TE group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 37.1% of the time (321 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 133 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 17 |
| Receiving | 209 rec, 1,990 yds, 19 TD |
| Defense | 18 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2011 |
The 2003 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2003 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position TE | 37.1% n=321 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 249 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.82 s |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Vertical | 39" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 7.42 s |
| Shuttle | 4.42 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
Picked around him 2003 redraft
| 153 | Jordan Black | redraft #70 |
| 154 | Donnie Nickey | redraft #126 |
| 155 | Melvin Williams | redraft #176 |
| 157 | Ben Claxton | redraft #230 |
| 158 | Adrian Madise | redraft #208 |
| 159 | Jon Olinger | redraft #240 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.