Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 237 pounds
School: Texas A&M Aggies
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.6 seconds
Bench press: 24 reps
Broad jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
Tyrel. Dodson 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Tyrel Dodson was heavily courted entering college, landing at Texas A&M after receiving offers from 17 different schools. His journey with the Aggies started strong, playing all 13 games in his true freshman year, as well as the year following. That sophomore year, he also recorded 104 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and three interceptions. Junior year, his stats reflect a slight decrease in production – 70 tackles, seven for a loss, and one interception. Still, his stats in his final year were comparable to those of teammate Otaro Alaka, with whom he led the Aggies’ linebacker corps, and who is projected to be picked up as a priority free agent in this year’s draft.
Dodson has deferred his senior year of eligibility in order to declare for the draft and will be missed by the team that he assisted to a 9-4 overall record this year, landing second in the SEC West, only to Alabama. While NFL.com projects Dodson to go in round six or seven of this year’s draft, Dodson’s skill set proves him well-deserving of an earlier selection. His explosive body language and effectiveness on special teams supplement an NFL-caliber physical presence, and his strengths far outweigh the weaknesses of many players projected to be drafted ahead of him.
Strengths
- good pre-snap alignment;
- excellent upper body power;
- broad chest and strong trunk;
- above-average speed;
- excellent interior blitz;
- durable; no record of injury in collegiate career;
- known for strong character; no off-field concerns.
Weaknesses
- easily swallowed as one of the smaller linebackers on the field;
- needs to improve hands;
- tight hips and lack of knee bend;
- slow response to zone-coverage in the run game;
- could exhibit better technique as a tackler.
Teams With Need at Position: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, New York Jets, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins
Projection: Fifth round
Bottom Line
Dodson may be a little guy, but so are a lot of the linebackers in this draft class. And who’s to say this isn’t a new trend in the league; taking the powerful guys with the small frames and surrounding them with larger forces? Just look at Poona Ford, the undrafted free agent of 2018 who put up some serious stats for the Seattle Seahawks this year. When comparing the stats and the strengths of Dodson to his peers this year, it’s hard to imagine him going as late as projected. Dodson is a completely underrated pick, and could easily be an active backup in his rookie season.
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