Arizona Cardinals Targeting Clemson's Kevin Dodd In First Round Of NFL Draft?

Feb 19, 2016 03:00 PM EST
Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly looking to add pass rushers in the 2016 NFL Draft, and Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd could be a potential target the Cardinals look to select."

The Arizona Cardinals have improved each season under head coach Bruce Arians, and while their NFC Championship loss to the Carolina Panthers was clearly devastating, Cardinals fans should be excited for the year ahead. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim will have some major decisions to make regarding players in free agency this offseason, and is reportedly looking to target a defensive end in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

It's unknown who the Cardinals will look to target with the 29th pick in the draft, but one player to keep an eye on is Clemson defensive end Kevin Dodd, according to Tony Pauline of Draft Insider. The Tigers defensive end recorded 24 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks this past season, and was a key factor in Clemson's run to the National Championship game.

Dodd has reportedly jumped over teammate Shaq Lawson as a prospect for multiple franchises, and is believed to have a higher ceiling compared to his teammate. Dodd is expected to measure in at 6-foot-5, 275-pounds at the NFL combine, and has been working on both his linebacker and defensive line techniques, according to Pauline.

The Cardinals are clearly look to add pass rushers this offseason, and ESPN's Mel Kiper has projected them to select Boise State outside linebacker Kamalei Correa with their first round pick. In that same mock draft Kiper has Dodd going to the Buffalo Bills with the 19th pick, and the Clemson defensive end has already improved his draft stock since the end of the college football season.

The Cardinals were arguably one of the most balanced teams during the 2015 season, as they dominated on both sides of the ball. Arizona will have to wait and see who falls to them on draft day, but if Dodd is still on the board by the time the Cardinals are on the clock, don't be surprised if he is their first round pick.

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