NFL draft profile: Clemson DE Kevin Dodd, a gifted late bloomer

Shutdown Corner is counting down the top 50 prospects in the 2016 NFL draft with a scouting report, quotes from NFL evaluators and a projection where they might be drafted.

14. Clemson DE Kevin Dodd
6-foot-5, 277 pounds

Key stat: Played sparingly prior to 2015 season, when he broke out with 62 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. His signature game came in the national championship loss to Alabama when Dodd compiled seven tackles (five for loss) and three sacks.

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The skinny: Not since perhaps Ziggy Ansah has a defensive line come from relative nowhere to have such a dominant final college season. Dodd was a backup on a talented Clemson line for three years but made a massive impact last season for the national runners-up. He had the benefit of working opposite Shaq Lawson last season, but Dodd put together such impressive tape that NFL scouts are debating which player is actually going be better in the league.

Dodd did have a setback at the scouting combine when he suffered a hamstring injury during his second 40-yard dash attempt, which prevented him from completing the remainder of his testing drills. But Dodd was able to perform those drills at the pro day and do so in front of an array of GMs and head coaches. He also was making a lot of top-30 visits to teams late in the draft process, which suggests a lot of teams dotting I’s and crossing T’s on him. Given his relatively clean injury history and outstanding character, that’s likely good news for Dodd.

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Best-suited destination: He played strong-side defensive end in the Tigers’ 4-3 scheme, and that likely is his most ideal NFL home as well. However, some NFL teams believe Dodd can kick down inside on lighter third-down packages and even could stand up as a forceful edge linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He’s extremely well-built and has good athleticism, even Dodd has a few limitations in that regard. You don’t want him dropping in zone blitzes every down; it’s just not the best usage for him. We think teams seeking a base end such as the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints are good fits.

Reason he’ll rise in draft: For as much defensive line talent as there is in this draft, there are not a ton of edge rushers with upside who also play with power and have length. Dodd has 34-inch arms, moves well on his feet and stands to only get better in time as his natural instincts are fully harnessed. Some say he might be the better player than Lawson over the long haul. Dodd is a very clean evaluation from a character and injury standpoint, will give maximum effort in whatever he’s asked to do and appears very coachable and smart.

Reason he’ll fall in draft: NFL scouts really have 15 games to go off of. Prior to 2015, he played about 100 snaps on defense in three years. That makes their job trickier. Is he a flash in the pan? Or an emerging force? NFL history suggests the former is more latter, so that could give evaluators some pause, even if they like what they see from Dodd. There’s also the belief that he might not be an instant hit in the NFL, so any team that drafts Dodd must understand he’s not likely to dominate from Day 1. The payoff down the road could be considerable, but teams often eschew patience for the quick fix. It would be their loss.

Scouting hot take: “I liked him a lot better than I thought I would early in the season. I had no notes on him. Did he even run as a junior [at the Clemson NFL day for juniors]? I am sure he did, I just didn’t know much about him until I saw him against Louisville. He was tossing guys aside and I thought, maybe I need to watch him closer. Glad I did.” — AFC area scout

Player comp: Seattle Seahawks’ Michael Bennett, who was overlooked in college and really didn’t break out until Year 3 or 4 in the NFL

Expected draft range: Mid-first to late first round

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38. Alabama DE-DT A’Shawn Robinson
37. Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott
36. Memphis QB Paxton Lynch
35. Alabama C Ryan Kelly
34. Louisiana Tech DT Vernon Butler
33. Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche
32. Georgia DE-OLB Leonard Floyd
31. USC S-LB Su’a Cravens
30. Alabama LB Reggie Ragland
29. Mississippi State DT-DE Chris Jones
28. Baylor NT Andrew Billings
27. Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith
26. Houston CB William Jackson III
25. Alabama RB Derrick Henry
24. Ohio State CB Eli Apple
23. Eastern Kentucky DE-OLB Noah Spence
22. Baylor WR Corey Coleman
21. Ohio State OT Taylor Decker
20. Kansas State OG Cody Whitehair
19. Michigan State OT Jack Conklin
18. Alabama DE-DT Jarran Reed
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15. Ohio State LB Darron Lee