It appears Kevin Dodd’s decision to go pro was definitely the right one, at least initially it appears.
Dodd, who declared for the draft last week with teammates Mackensie Alexander, Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green, is listed in just about everyone’s top 32 prospects. In the NFL.com’s top 100 prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft, the defensive end is the highest former Tiger in the ranking.
The Greenville, S.C. native is ranked No. 20 on the NFL.com’s big board with Alexander and fellow defensive end Shaq Lawson ranked No. 26 and No. 27 respectively. No other Clemson player is ranked in the top 100, including Kearse and Green.
Dodd finished the season with 86 tackles, including 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He was unblockable in the College Football Playoffs. In the Orange Bowl he recorded five tackles, including a sack and three tackles for loss. In the National Championship Game against Alabama, he tallied seven tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.
“He’s very quick and slippery, which leads to a lot of tackles behind the line of scrimmage,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah writes. “He has an explosive burst closing from the back side. He is an excellent pass rusher. He has an explosive get-off, an array of hand moves and the ability to bend and wrap the edge.”
Jeremiah ranks Alexander No. 19 on his big board, followed by Dodd at No. 22 and Lawson at No. 24. Jeremiah likes Alexander’s quick feet, instincts and his toughness, which he says makes up for his lack of height.
“He has very quick feet and he’s efficient with his lower-body movement. He does a good job of staying in phase down the field and he doesn’t allow opponents to get on top of him,” Jeremiah wrote. “It’s tough to gauge his ability to play the ball because he is rarely challenged in the games I studied. His lack of production is a concern (zero career interceptions) but it might be simply because he lacked opportunity.”
Alexander had six passes broken up this past season. Of the 104 times he was targeted, only 32 times did an opponent catch the pass and most of those went for small gains.
“He is very aggressive against the run and a sure tackler in space,” Jeremiah continues. “Overall, Alexander lacks ideal size and production, but I love his movement skills and toughness. He has the tools to be an excellent number two cornerback or an elite nickel.”
As for Lawson, Jeremiah likes his motor and his power. Lawson led the nation in tackles for loss with 25.5 this season and was fifth in sacks with 12.5. Lawson finished fourth on the Clemson team with 87 tackles.
“He has been a very productive pass rusher. He doesn’t have elite burst or bend but he wins with power and relentlessness,” Jeremiah wrote. “He knows how to work through the edges of blockers and he’s an excellent finisher.
“He will peel off and cover a back on occasion but his stiffness is an issue in space. Overall, Lawson lacks ideal athleticism and burst but he’s incredibly tough, productive and instinctive.”
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
