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Atlanta Falcons: Updated first-round options

By Colin Hubbard

Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts between plays during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts between plays during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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1) Kevin Dodd, DE

Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Dodd was the second best defensive end for the Clemson Tigers in 2015 behind Shaq Lawson but is still a first-round talent. That speaks volumes to the amount of NFL talent Clemson cranks out year after year and Dodd is no different.

In a recent FanSided mock draft, the Falcons selected Dodd with the 17th pick and that’s not a terrible option with that pick. The Falcons’ biggest need is someone who can rush the passer and Dodd would help fix that problem.

Having two young Clemson defensive ends on opposite sides of the defensive line is pretty cool to think about and both of them have the potential to be really solid pass rushers for many years to come. Dodd has been flying up draft boards and could climb even higher with a good combine.

Next: Best players under 30 from every NFL franchise

While Dodd isn’t my favorite player in this years’ draft, he’s the most predictable pick at this point.