With the 35th pick the San Diego chargers select:
Kevin Dodd (DE)
HT: 6'5" WT: 277LBS.
POSITION: DE
SCHOOL: Clemson
ARM LENGTH: 34"
HANDS: 10"
Overview
Dodd was not as highly-touted as fellow defensive end Shaq Lawson coming into the 2015 season, but by the end of the year he was just as respected. The South Carolina native went to Hargrave Military Academy for the 2011 season before arriving in Clemson, and spent three years as a reserve (six tackles in eight games in 2012, seven tackles in four games in 2013, eight tackles, 2.5 for loss in 12 games in 2014) behind the Tigers ever-talented defensive line before getting into the starting line-up on the strong side across from Lawson. Dodd's ascension was set back a bit by a knee injury in the 2013 season, but his play the following fall portended an excellent redshirt junior year. Dodd finished just behind his All-American teammate in tackles for loss (23.5) and sacks (12), receiving honorable mention all-conference notice from ACC coaches for his efforts. Those coaches might have voted him first team after the national championship game, however, as he lit up the Crimson Tide with five tackles for loss, including three sacks.
Pro Day Results
Vertical: 30 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
Short shuttle: 4.44 seconds
3-cone drill: 7.18 seconds
COMBINE STATS
ANALYSIS
Strengths
Relentless competitor with NFL-ready frame. Refuses to give offensive lineman a play off. Not content to be around a play, wants in the action. Won't lay on blocks and able to improve his position after contact through footwork and strength. Never drops eyes from ball location and is able to unhinge from blocks quickly to make a play when the ball enters his patch of grass. Extremely instinctive and well-coached. Snuffs out screens, bootlegs and shovel passes almost every game. Takes his contain responsibility very seriously. Insane production spike from last year to this season. Saw his quarterback pressures go from three to 46 and he was credited with 12 sacks in 2015 season. Athletic upfield burst with desired bend and hip flexion to corner the edge. Has length and leverage to become an effective speed-to-power rusher. Wore Alabama out with three sacks and two tackles for loss. Tape shows a player who played his best football at the end of the year.
Weaknesses
Has just one year of full-time experience under his belt and was able to feast on some lesser tackles. Hand usage is still a work in progress. Too willing to take on blocks with a lowered helmet or allowing blocks into his frame rather than controlling the rep with his natural hand strength. Uses same hand swipe at the top of his rush and would benefit from greater diversity of approach. Still learning to consistently unlock his top play speed. Gets in a hurry to attack in space quarterbacks and running backs in space lunging after them rather than striking from balanced base.
NFL Comparison
Michael Bennett
Bottom Line
The arrow is pointed up for Dodd who finished the season with a streak of five consecutive games with a sack. Dodd already looks the part of an NFL defensive end and his desire to make plays coupled with his physical traits and talent should have him shooting up draft boards. His lack of college snaps could preclude him from being "pro ready", but his instincts and football intelligence should expedite the learning process.
Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis had him going 9th and 10th respectively in their latest mock drafts and I too am surprised he is still available. Going D in this draft so far. Phillip Rivera can put up points for at least 5 more years. Building a solid defensive core!