Any Thoughts/Concerns on Dodd?

[Leadbelly]

I'm rewatching Dodd since he's probably the option to beat if he makes it to 34. Any Clemson fans who can speak to why he did so little his prior three years?

I see him show so many great qualities. DE's like this usually rotate in at least, but he didn't. A complete non-entity before this year. Went from something like 3 pressures in '14 to 46 in '15. But I'm not seeing a lazy guy or a one dimensional guy. No reports of behavior issues. What's the deal?

Only major negative things I see:

• Not much in the way of inside moves in his repertoire yet
• Tackling is not ideal; See a lot of arm tackles and people slipping through his grasp
• Wonderlic of 12, but probably not a big deal at DL (honestly surprised me; seems very aware)
• Medical redshirt plus prep school before Clemson makes him an old rookie

Aside from age, these are pretty correctible with strength and experience.

I know Clemson had Beasley last year but am I forgetting someone else? The only thing I can think of is he lost the previous year to injury and maybe he wasn't all the way back in '14. Or it delayed his development. Otherwise, it seems like a big mystery/red flag.

Doesn't look like he has peaked yet either, despite age. Interested to see if we're a bigger fan of Dodd, Spence or Ogbah tomorrow. Watch us not go DE lol.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Brugler on Dodd:


SUMMARY: A one-year starter, Dodd lined up in both a two and three point stance as the starting left defensive end in Clemson’s 4-3 scheme – finished the 2015 season ranked top-10 nationally in tackles for loss (23.5) and sacks (12.0). He was buried on the depth chart and battled injuries early in his career, but with Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford graduating after the 2014 season, Dodd improved his mind-set and pushed his training habits to secure Crawford’s spot in the starting line-up. Based on traits, Dodd checks several boxes for the NFL with the size, length, athleticism and strength potential to be effective in the NFL, although he isn’t a dynamic rush threat who will scream off the edge. He also improved his ball awareness and discipline as his reps increased last season, showing encouraging growth that indicates he isn’t near his football ceiling. A late bloomer, he isn’t a sudden rusher who wins with speed, but he is a promising pass rush threat due to his snap quickness, natural instincts and high-effort play style – projected NFL starter in a four-man front.

WEAKNESSES: Not a twitched up rusher who can easily change speeds in his rush, lacking cat-like quickness…needs to better keep his balance through gaps…doesn’t consistently use his hands to convert speed to power and isn’t much of a bully…undeveloped pass rush repertoire, often tipping his moves – needs to add more to his bag of tricks to fool blockers…tends to think too much and play too patient at times…lack of hand tactics will cause his rush to stall…only one season of starting experience and productivity – benefited from playing opposite Shaq Lawson, rarely facing double-teams…turns 24-years-old before his first NFL training camp…past durability issues, missing most of the 2013 season due to shoulder and toe injuries.

STRENGTHS: Has the look of a NFL defensive end with broad shoulders and long arms to engage and keep blockers from his body…flexible body type to plant-and-bend when he wins the corner…quick first step and lateral inside move to slip blocks, using active hands to fight through jabs…shows the backfield vision to see through blockers and recognize offensive tendencies – naturally instinctive…improved discipline and patience to hold backside contain, stack the edge and cut off runs to the outside…high motor player and never shuts it down, working his way through bodies…experienced on special teams and blocked a kick in 2015…pushed himself in the film room and on the practice field to seize his opportunity to start in 2015 – described as a “self-made guy” by Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables…highly productive junior season with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks.

 

[RoboQB]

I'm rewatching Dodd since he's probably the option to beat if he makes it to 34. Any Clemson fans who can speak to why he did so little his prior three years?

I see him show so many great qualities. DE's like this usually rotate in at least, but he didn't. A complete non-entity before this year. Went from something like 3 pressures in '14 to 46 in '15. But I'm not seeing a lazy guy or a one dimensional guy. No reports of behavior issues. What's the deal?

Only major negative things I see:

• Not much in the way of inside moves in his repertoire yet
• Tackling is not ideal; See a lot of arm tackles and people slipping through his grasp
• Wonderlic of 12, but probably not a big deal at DL (honestly surprised me; seems very aware)
• Medical redshirt plus prep school before Clemson makes him an old rookie

Aside from age, these are pretty correctible with strength and experience.

I know Clemson had Beasley last year but am I forgetting someone else? The only thing I can think of is he lost the previous year to injury and maybe he wasn't all the way back in '14. Or it delayed his development. Otherwise, it seems like a big mystery/red flag.

Doesn't look like he has peaked yet either, despite age. Interested to see if we're a bigger fan of Dodd, Spence or Ogbah tomorrow. Watch us not go DE lol.

There's a nice story on him in this week's SI that may shed some light for you.
I'd like the pick at 34 if he's there... seems like an arrow-up player.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

A pass rusher with upside, Count Me In

 

[slick325]

Plays hard...seems strange saying this but...don't like his age. Turns 24 by week 1.

 

[Sydla]

I'd rather have Spence at 34. Yeah a risk, but way more upside IMO. I think I'd even go DT before Dodd or CB.

 

[CATCH17]

To me he looks like a basic football player. Nothing real special. Probably should go in the late 2nd or 3rd round.


I don't feel like he is worth the 34th pick.

 

[The Natural]

Anthony Spencer 2.0

A lot of people here liked Spencer, I never did. Very underwhelming player. Hopefully this team doesn't reach for a DE because of the toke twins. If you have some beasts in the middle you can roll with jags on the outside. Billings would be my pick.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I think he is a good player, but he will never be a great pass rusher. I think Spence is a better choice.

 

[phildadon86]

To me he looks like a basic football player. Nothing real special. Probably should go in the late 2nd or 3rd round.


I don't feel like he is worth the 34th pick.

Whats your opinion on Robinson?

 

[CATCH17]

Whats your opinion on Robinson?

I'll be honest. I haven't really looked at him much until this morning. I don't have a strong opinion.

 

[texbumthelife]

Whats your opinion on Robinson?

As of a week or two ago, many outlets were calling him one of the most overrated prospects in the draft. It seems that was true as he was once considered a top-10 guy but slid out of the firs completely.

He's not a guy that elite at anything and comes from a stacked defense where he was met with very little resistance in the form of double teams. He's not going to shoot gaps, nor is he going to overpower most NFL guards. He's going to need to be a very high effort, high motor player. There are just too many other guys with more upside at 34 to take Robinson. Honestly, I don't think he's any better than what we have at DT right now, as thin as we may be.

 

[BAT]

Whats your opinion on Robinson?

2 gapper who is good against the run, disruptive due to length and size. Nick name is "Man Child", does not always play to his skill level. Has upside as interior pass rusher but not a Marinelli type 3 tech. Reed is the more finished product, he is what he is but has more intangibles than Robinson (leadership, work ethic, etc.) but his athletic upside as pass rusher is limited.