Two Tigers listed in ESPN's NFL Mock Draft |
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has
released his 2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 this week and two Clemson defenders were listed in the first round.
Defensive end Shaq Lawson was projected to the Atlanta Falcons at the #17th selection. "The Falcons had a league-low 19 sacks last season, so it's clear they need to continue to bolster their pass rush," McShay said. "Lawson -- a former teammate of Atlanta's 2015 first-round DE Vic Beasley Jr. -- could be the answer because of his good combination of power, quickness and relentlessness. This also would be a great spot for Notre Dame OLB Jaylon Smith, who tore his ACL and MCL in the Irish's bowl game and would be a top-five player in this draft if healthy." Former Clemson defensive lineman on the current Falcons' roster include Malliciah Goodman, Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley. Lawson led the nation in tackles for loss with 25.5.
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 #31.
"Dodd notched 23.5 tackles for loss this season, second in the FBS to his fellow Clemson DE Shaq Lawson," McShay said. "Dodd brings a great energy to the game, and I think he's a more fluid athlete and a better natural edge rusher than Lawson. But Dodd is not as stout vs. the run or as consistent. Notre Dame WR Will Fuller also would make sense here because of his ability to stretch the field vertically."
Dodd had a breakout 2015 season with 62 tackles, 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss (second in the nation behind Lawson).
Clemson has no players on the Panthers' current roster.
Defensive backs Mackensie Alexander, Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green, did not make the first round of this NFL mock draft.
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