CLEMSON in the NFL

NFL.com's Mock Draft has three Tigers in 1st round

NFL.com's Mock Draft has three Tigers in 1st round


by - Assoc. Editor -

NFL.com released its 2016 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 recently and three Clemson defenders were listed in the first round.

Defensive end Kevin Dodd with his impressive three-sack performance in the National Championship game was predicted to go in the first round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the #9th selection.

"This might be a little early for Dodd, but he would upgrade the Tampa pass rush," NFL.com said.

Dodd had a breakout 2015 season with 62 tackles, 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss (second in the nation).

Defensive end Shaq Lawson was projected to the Atlanta Falcons at the #17th selection.

"Atlanta goes back to Clemson to find a complementary pass rusher for Vic Beasley," NFL.com said.

Lawson finished the season with 86 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss (first in the nation), 12.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries.

Defensive back Mackensie Alexander was projected to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the #25th selection.

"Alexander is a great fit in this defense," NFL.com said.

The Tigers with Alexander were the number two defense in the country in passes completed holding opponents to 47.6 completion percentage. In 638 snaps this season, QBs completed 11 passes vs. Alexander.

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