Kiper talks Clemson players, says Dodd is a 1st rounder |
Several Clemson underclassmen decided to forego their senior seasons and declare for the NFL Draft earlier this week, and ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper, Jr., says
Kevin Dodd is the one player that really jumps out in his mind.
Safeties T.J. Green and Jayron Kearse, cornerback Mackensie Alexander and defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd all made their decisions Wednesday to leave Clemson for the next level. Kiper said that senior wide receiver Charone Peake is a "late third day guy" before talking about the chances of Green and Kearse. "I think Green - it's hard to say until he works out. We don't have any computer numbers - nobody does - on any of these underclassmen yet," Kiper said. "Once you get the workout numbers you can accurately assess that. That's why I always tell these guys to know what their numbers are, reality-wise and not fantasy league-wise when you come out. I think both of those kids have second or third round type potential depending on how they work out." It is Dodd, however, that jumps out at Kiper. "The guy that really benefitted from a great game against Alabama was Kevin Dodd," he said. "Kevin Dodd didn't have a sack until this year and he goes out and has a phenomenal season. One word that I had next to the notes I had from the people I talked to at Clemson was 'improvement.' Dramatically. And look what happened. He's 6-4 275-pounds and he goes out there and has a heckuva year. I have him going in the middle of the first round right now."
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