INDIANAPOLIS -- Clemson pass-rushers Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd both got plenty of advice from their former teammates, current Atlanta Falcons Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett, about the NFL draft process.
Specifically, Dodd talked to Jarrett -- a fifth-round draft pick in 2015 -- about the secret to interviewing with teams.
"Grady was just like, 'Just show who you are when you go up there and work, like you always have,'" Dodd said. "And he said, 'It's going to be long and stressful, but you just have to do what you've got to do to get the job done.' "
And what did Jarrett tell Dodd the toughest part of the process would be?
"Grady said, 'I know you're a shy guy, but going into those meetings, you're going to have to open up and show who you are because you have to tell them who you are, because I know you don't like to talk much,'" Dodd said. "It's just not something that I do all the time. But I'm not as shy as Vic."
So one can only imagine how the conversations between Dodd and Beasley went down.
"Vic's not that much of a vocal person," Dodd said with a laugh. "But he will let you know what needs to be done."
Both Dodd and Lawson said they would "love" to have a Clemson reunion with Beasley, Jarrett and defensive lineman Malliciah Goodman, provided Goodman remains with the Falcons. Lawson seems like a more realistic option as the Falcons narrow their choices for the 17th overall pick, although Dodd has a chance to boost his stock at the combine, as he did after a registering three sacks and five tackles for loss in the NCAA title game versus Alabama.
Lawson, who led the nation 25.5 tackles for losses with 12.5 sacks, had an enjoyable visit with Falcons defensive-line coach Bryan Cox, and had another formal meeting scheduled Friday with the Falcons. Dodd was a late arrival to the combine and hadn't met with any teams before addressing the media Friday afternoon.
Lawson shared a few details about what Cox talked about in the meeting.
"They talked about how I'm different than Vic Beasley, and I told them my game is different because I'm a lot heavier," the 6-foot-3, 270-pound Lawson said. "We both had the same kind of stats our junior year. It was just getting to know them better. It's great to get to know the Falcons."
The Falcons sorely need help with their pass rush after finishing last in the NFL with 19 sacks last season. Lawson said he feels more comfortable rushing from defensive end, though he is capable of playing inside, too. He talked about what he hoped to accomplish at the combine.
"A lot of people say they don't think I'm very athletic," Lawson said. "I'm here to show them [athleticism] this week and just work on getting better."
