Three Tigers listed in NFL Mock Draft |
USA Today released its
2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 on Monday and three Clemson defenders were listed in the first round.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson was projected to the Buffalo Bills at the #19th selection. "You know Rex and Rob Ryan will be clamoring for defensive help, especially for a team that was so surprisingly inept at generating pressure on quarterbacks," USA Today said. "Lawson isn't as talented as incumbent Mario Williams, who's likely on his way out of town, but his every-down effort would provide a boost." Lawson finished the season with 86 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss (led the nation), 12.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries.
Defensive back Mackensie Alexander was projected to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the #25 selection.
"Pittsburgh ranked 30th in pass defense last season, and free agency will likely further weaken their already shaky depth at cornerback," USA Today said. "Alexander would fill a need and provide toughness that's always appreciated in the Steel City."
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.
Defensive end Kevin Dodd with his impressive three-sack performance in the National Championship game was predicted to be taken by the Carolina Panthers at pick number #30.
"Carolina is imposing up the middle but needs to be in the market to replace aging DEs Charles Johnson and Jared Allen," USA Today said.
Dodd had a breakout 2015 season with 62 tackles, 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss (second in the nation behind Lawson).
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