Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Clemson’s list of quality defensive lineman has not gone unnoticed in recent history. While Shaq Lawson has made a name for himself, it’s been Kevin Dodd who has quietly moved up the rankings. In his first season as a full time starter, Dodd was able to capture 12.5 sacks in 2015. Dodd’s stand out game came against Alabama, a showing that saw the former three star prospect rack up three sacks as well as two tackles in the backfield.

Kevin Dodd is a relatively new name in this process, but he will have the opportunity to further impress at the upcoming combine.

Measurables

Height: 6’5

Weight: 275

Season Stats: 62 tackles (24 for loss), 12.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery 

Strengths

Kevin Dodd has all the tools you look for in a defensive end. He is a constant disruption towards the opposition as he makes his way towards the backfield. His use of power and speed are a combination that earned him the high praise he is currently deserving of and could be the reason for why he becomes a first round draft pick.

Off the edge he has one of the better first steps in this class. His use of hands are still raw but when he puts all of his tools together, Dodd becomes a threat towards the offense on every play. Dodd’s rapid ascension even has a few analyst placing him ahead of teammate Shaq Lawson who was the sure fire bet coming into the 2015 season.

Without a doubt, Dodd can be as good if not a better prospect than some of the top EDGE defenders in this class. His size, athleticism and motor are what make him the premier defensive end that teams are looking for.

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Weaknesses

Kevin Dodd’s “youth” as a full time starter might be enough reason for him to start in rotation at the next level. As of now, Dodd is a much better pass rusher than he is a run defender, which may limit him to passing downs until he can refine some of his technique. Not necessarily a weakness more so than it was an advantage, playing alongside teammate Shaq Lawson left Dodd in many one on one situations and often times against the teams second best tackle.

It will be curious to see how he handles double teams or be in the position of taking on a team’s left tackle as he’s been predominantly on the opposite side of the line.

Outlook

The combine is a great place to find out just how athletic some of these prospects are. For Kevin Dodd I don’t believe he will disappoint the masses expecting him to have a solid combine. He has a high motor and has received plenty of praise for his work ethic and football IQ. It would be a surprise if the former Tiger fell out of the first round.

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