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Dan Cody DE Oklahoma 6’5 270
By: Robert Davis

Dan Cody has been one of the premier rush ends over the past two years in college football. He became a starter as a junior in 2003, and came through with 63 tackles, 17 for loss, and 10 sacks. He was named to the All Academic Big 12 team during that season, and was a finalist for the Hendricks award, given to the nation’s top defensive end. As a senior in 2004, he racked up 38 tackles, 16 for loss, with 8 sacks. He was named to the All Big 12 team, various All-American teams, and once again was a Hendricks finalist. Cody received a medical redshirt in 2001, after suffering with a bout of depression.

Cody does everything well. Cody has a very good build, and may even be able to pack on a few more pounds at the next level. He is a very good athlete, with the ability to close well and move well laterally. His pass rush ability is his best asset, but he takes on the tackle well, and can make plays in the run game. His biggest asset may be his attitude on the field, because he goes full tilt until the whistle blows.

Cody may be one of the many tweeners in this draft. If he wants to play end, he is going to have to get stronger, and at linebacker, he is only suited for the 3-4. He did sit out the 2001 season because of depression, but he has come back and developed into a team leader, so that may be a non issue, but it is something that should be looked into.

There are quite a few combo ends/linebackers in this draft, and Cody may be the best of them. He should be able to pack on the weight to remain at end and that is his best position. With good workouts, Cody could move up into the Top 15 of the draft, but he’s a late first rounder on my board. His combo of physical ability and demeanor on the field should make him a quality player in the NFL.

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