2016 NFL Draft Profile: Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd

It's no mystery that the Bengals love themselves some tall defensive ends. Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Margus Hunt and Will Clarke all stand at 6-foot-6 or taller. But whether it's Marvin Lewis or former defensive line coach Jay Hayes who placed a heavy emphasis on selecting tall defensive ends in the draft remains to be seen. If Cincinnati still likes tall defensive ends, Kevin Dodd could make a lot of sense in the first round.

Kevin Dodd

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 277 lbs

Arm length: 34

Hands: 10

College: Clemson

Class: Redshirt Junior

40 dash: 4.86

Vert jump: 30.5"

Broad jump: 110.0"

3 cone: 7.18

20 yard shuttle: 4.25

NFL Comparisons

• Michael Bennett (NFL)
• Kony Ealy (CBS Sports)
• Ray Edwards (Pro Football Focus)
• Kyle Vanden Bosch (Walter Football)

Dodd compared to other defensive ends, per Mock Draftable

Dodd has been gaining steam among draftniks. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah had Dodd going to the Packers with the 27th pick in his first mock draft, but he's put Dodd as high as ninth overall in recent mocks. Whether he goes in the top 10 or not, it's worth noting that Dodd has leapt past teammate Shaq Lawson on almost everyone's draft boards.

College Stats

Scouting Report Consensus - What to like

• Great size, frame, hands
• Solid pass-rusher, disruptive in run game
• Quick, powerful with strength to shed blocks
• Good awareness, shoots gaps well
• Versatile enough to win inside and outside

Scouting Report Consensus - What not to like

• One-year wonder who lined up on the left side of the line
• Played along stacked D-line, which contributed to big numbers
• Not very consistent, even in his best season
• Needs to work on his speed, pass-rush repertoire
• Not an elite athlete for a player being selected so high

Projected Round:

Round 1

Conclusion:

Kevin Dodd fits the Bengals' bill well, as he's both tall and a perfect fit for a 4-3 defense. Dodd's lack of a first-round body, so to speak, makes him virtually incompatible with 3-4 teams, which gives the Bengals a better chance of landing the defensive end early on in the Draft. Dodd is a high risk, high reward prospect, but he's exactly the type of player the Bengals are looking for. The Bengals look for defensive ends who are tall, can play both the pass and the run and who are smart enough to digest the playbook and diagnoses opposing offenses. Dodd would be a great fit in Cincinnati if the Bengals were to go defensive end in Round 1.

If Dodd were available when the Bengals are on the clock with the 24th pick, I'd certainly give him consideration. I wouldn't be mad if the Bengals passed on him, simply because the team has two talented defensive ends in the starting rotation. But I could get on board with his selection; Cincinnati has yet to find a replacement for Wallace Gilberry, and they have the roster space to take a defensive end in the Draft.