Overview
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 275 pounds
School: Clemson University
Kevin Dodd 2016 NFL Draft Profile
Kevin Dodd might not have received the same amount of fanfare as fellow Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, but in 2015, Dodd proved he can play. The Taylors, SC native played one full season of high school football at Riverside High in Taylors, after which Clemson was the only Division I school to offer Dodd a scholarship. Dodd had to attend Hargrave Military Academy for a year before he could suit up for the Tigers.
Dodd then found himself behind talent like Lawson and Vic Beasley (drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft. The redshirt junior spent his first three seasons at Clemson as a backup, where he registered 21 tackles (three for loss) and four quarterback pressures in 219 snaps over 24 games. But when he received his chance Dodd was ready and in 2015 the talented defensive end made his mark as a starter for the Tigers as he tallied 62 tackles (24 for loss), 46 quarterback pressures and 12.5 sacks, including an impressive effort in the National Championship game against the Crimson Tide where Dodd had seven tackles (five for loss) and three sacks. Dodd spent his final season at Clemson playing on the strong side across from Lawson and he received honorable mention-all conference honors from the ACC coaches.
At Clemson’s Pro Day Dodd posted a 4.86 40-yard dash, a broad jump of 9-foot-2, a vertical of 30 1/2 inches, and completed the short shuttle in 4.44 seconds and the 3-cone drill in 7.18 seconds.
Strengths
- Good blend of quickness and power
- Quick off the line
- Good agility and balance
- Quick, strong hands
- Is an incredible athlete
- Long arms
- Great footwork
- Keeps his eyes locked on the football
- NFL ready body/frame
- Has excellent gap integrity
- Can defend both the pass and run
- Has proven to be very coachable
- Incredible work ethic
- High motor and does not quit on plays
- Sound vision and awareness
- Great competitor
Weaknesses
- Started only one season at Clemson
- Needs to utilize his quick, strong hands more to his advantage and with more variety
- Must stop taking blocks with his body
- Must attack quarterbacks more efficiently and not in open space
- Only faced right tackles in college
- Didn’t face many double teams due to playing opposite Shaq Lawson
NFL Comparison: Kony Ealy (Carolina Panthers), Michael Bennett (Seattle Seahawks)
Teams with Need at Position: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets
Projection: Mid to late first round, possibly early second round
A team that runs a 4-3 scheme would be the best fit for Kevin Dodd because that is the scheme Clemson runs. He may have only started one season in college and it might not be yet known if Dodd’s talent will translate to the next level. But the former Clemson Tiger proved what he is capable of during his season as a starter. He is an incredible athlete, with an NFL ready frame, who has great instincts and a high football IQ. The talented pass rusher will need to work on his technique, particularly how he uses his hands, but he is an exceptional athlete, with a high motor, and seems to be a team first guy. Dodd would certainly benefit from being paired with another good pass rusher, but he is the type of player that coaches would love to have on their team and, while we only have a small sample size, his ceiling at the next level is extremely high.
Main Photo:
