Isaiah Simmons projects to be a top 5 overall pick in this year's NFL DRAFT
Clemson and the NFL Draft Over the past several years, Clemson has been a player in the NFL draft to the tune of 57 drafted in the Dabo Swinney coaching era. This does not take into account the numerous players that did not get drafted but signed free agent contracts. Now, all 57 of those draftees are not still in the pros of course for various reasons, but that number is over 10 years. The 2020 Clemson NFL draft class may not reach numbers like the 2016 class led by Shaq Lawson (9 players drafted) but it could rival the 2019 class prestige with three first round draft picks.
K'Von Wallace has impressed many with his steady production while at Clemson
Mr. All-Round-Can-Play-Anywhere Isaiah Simmons is being talked about going as early as 3rd or 4th in the draft. There is no doubt that no matter what team he goes to, he will be an asset and a difference maker. All Simmons did his final year at Clemson was get in on 107 tackles, get 7 sacks, break up 10 passes, intercept 3 passes and have 16 tackles for losses. That’s all. At 6-4 238, Simmons can literally play any position on the field outside of defensive tackle. Running a 4.39 at the combine didn’t hurt his stock. CSN projection: #4 New York Giants, unless Atlanta trades up, which could happen.
Tee Higgins is one of if not the top WR on many teams NFL's Dart board's
Not to be left out of the draft picture is Tee Higgins. Higgins came into Clemson as the 2nd highest ranked WR in the 2017 class and the 18th best player in the nation, according to ESPN. In 2019, Higgins had 59 receptions for 1167 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns. At 6-4 215, he has the size, the hands, the speed to play in the NFL but where does he end up? Can he be a day 1 starter in the NFL? It depends on where he lands. The most talked about landing spot is Buffalo, who recently added Stefon Diggs to their passing game. Josh Allen is an up and comer at quarterback and the Bills adding Higgins is not the worst thing that could happen. Having said this, Higgins could fall into the 2nd round simply because of the huge need in the NFL for defense and offensive linemen. A.J. Terrell signed with Clemson in 2017 as the 106th ranked player in the country. Under the guidance of Coaches Brent Venables and Mike Reed, Terrell has become a fantastic cover corner. Undoubtedly, the biggest play of his career came on the biggest stage with a pick 6 against Alabama in the 2018 National Championship game. Terrell is projected as a first round pick, but where is the question. Some are saying San Francisco, others are saying Kansas City. No matter where he goes, he is going to help the secondary.
Clemson also has several players that should hear their name called in the 7-round NFL draft. Offensive guard John Simpson and safety K’Von Wallace will likely hear their names called as early as round 3. Two other Clemson offensive linemen, Tremayne Anchrum and Sean Pollard could possibly be picked in the later rounds as well. We would not be surprised to see safety Tanner Muse drafted, but, not as a safety. The scouts like him as a hybrid linebacker.
Although this coronavirus event has landed a blow for all sports, there is a strong belief that football will soon return and all will be right with the world once again. Some things will change for sure, more precautions will be taken but eventually, life will move on and so will football. The NFL draft is something every football fan looks forward to. This year’s draft will be a little different with regards to the way it’s going to be held, but it will still be the NFL draft. Hang in there, Tiger fans.
Brought to you by :
Comments