NFL draft: Former Clemson LB selected in 3rd round

O'Daniel was the last pick of the third round on Friday after some projections as low as the 6th or 7th rounds.

by TigerNet Staff - Fri Apr 27 23:07:00 GMT-04:00 2018

Former Clemson linebacker Dorian O’Daniel was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 100th overall pick in the third round in Friday’s edition of the NFL draft.

O’Daniel came in rated as high as the No. 31 overall prospect and the No. 2 outside linebacker by CBS Sports, but he had projections as low as the sixth-to-seventh rounds.

"All he does is make plays," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said on their draft broadcast. "In special teams and in coverage. Does everything."

The Olney, Maryland product was a finalist for the Butkus Award and made first-team All-America last season from Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report. O’Daniel totaled 104 tackles, 11.5 TFL, five sacks and two pick-sixes.

Over four seasons, O’Daniel logged 1,465 snaps over 56 games (27 starts) with three picks, five PBUs, two caused fumbles, 8.5 sacks and 28 TFLs. He’s tied for first in Clemson history with 47 special teams tackles and ranks second in games played.

O'Daniel joins two former Tigers on the K.C. roster currently in Sammy Watkins and Jarvis Jenkins.

He was the lone Clemson selection on day two of the draft. O'Daniel did, however, keep the Tigers' run of at least one pick in the first three rounds stretching back to the 2010 draft.

“I kid you not, I had just shut down my draft party when I got the call”@Dorian, joined by @kefu11er, recaps the exciting moment he was drafted by the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/U1nM3w6Lv2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 28, 2018

With the #100th pick of the #NFLDraft the Kansas City @Chiefs select Dorian O'Daniel from Clemson University!#ChiefsKingdom #ChiefsDraft pic.twitter.com/euHCFe05rB
— TRSN Kansas City (@TRSNKansasCity) April 28, 2018

CHIEFSSSSS KINGDOM!!!
— D.O'Daniel (@Dorian) April 28, 2018

So blessed, so thankful! Hard work pays off, remember that !
— D.O'Daniel (@Dorian) April 28, 2018

3-time ACC Champion ??
National Champion ??
50 wins ??
Clemson degree ??
Drafted ??@Chiefs are getting a special one. Good luck in KC, @Dorian!#ClemsonFamily pic.twitter.com/2t3UrR4fVo
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 28, 2018

Congrats @Dorian O’Daniel #Chiefs #ClemsonNFL
— Coach Jeff Scott (@coach_jeffscott) April 28, 2018

With the final pick of the third round, the Kansas City Chiefs select the highest-graded Clemson Tiger from 2017, Dorian O'Daniel pic.twitter.com/FcrtMOLo91
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 28, 2018

.@ClemsonFB LB Dorian O'Daniel is selected by the @Chiefs with the 100th pick in the #NFLDraft! pic.twitter.com/E3GkiLtf5o
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 28, 2018

I evaluated Dorian O'Daniel as a safety because he plays around 215. He is a very good football player. #Chiefs fans should be excited.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) April 28, 2018

Dorian O'Daniel: "I had no idea. I was shutting down my draft party. I couldn't believe it, Kansas City?"

He's extremely excited. And Kendall Fuller is with him right now.
— Tom Martin (@TomKCTV5) April 28, 2018