NFL Combine preview: What Clemson players must prove
Eight Clemson plays will appear at the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis. Here’s a look at all eight and what they must prove to solidify or improve their draft position.
Mackensie Alexander, CB: No picks, but teams avoided him
No Clemson player has generated a wider range of opinions. While most expect Alexander to be a first-round pick, one report suggested some teams view him as a third-rounder because of his size (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) and lack of interceptions. However, the lack of interceptions shows Alexander’s value. He surrendered only 19 catches for 258 yards because opponents avoided him. If he can surprise with good numbers in drills, he’ll squash any doubts.
Shaq Lawson, DE: Not ideal size, but he produces
One of the stars of the show this week, Lawson could be the top Tiger taken. He had 24.5 tackles-for-loss and 12.5 sacks this season. At 6-3, 270, he’s not the ideal size for an NFL defensive end, but since evaluators love him so much, they refer to him as “compact” rather than short. Lawson has proven to be dominant against the run in college as well. In short, scouts love him and he’s at a position of need. First round all the way.
Kevin Dodd, DE: Good size and a fast first step
There’s no arguing with the production. Dodd had 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last season. What he has to fight this week is that he was merely the beneficiary of all the attention paid to Lawson. He has good size (6-4, 275) and a fast first step. NFL scouts wonder if he is as physical as he needs to be to take on pro offensive tackles. Even if he doesn’t have a great week here, though, he’s expected to be a first-rounder based on what he’s done on the field.
D.J. Reader, DT: He must answer personal question
So, um, what were those “personal reasons” that kept you out of the first half of the season? Reader can expect to hear that dozens of times this week. After his unexplained absence, Reader played well, and nothing’s going to change the fact that he’s 6-foot-3, 340 pounds and super athletic for a guy that size. He also had a good week at the Senior Bowl, which gives him lots of momentum coming in this week.
B.J. Goodson, LB: Can great college player find success?
Goodson led the Tigers in tackles with 108 and had a great year, and he’s almost a case study in the great college player vs. not-a-great pro player debate. At 5-11, 240, he’s trying to do something special this week to get a spot in the draft. If Goodson can run well or do something out of the ordinary on some of his jumps, he might sneak into the late rounds. He might have to settle for being an undrafted free agent, though.
T.J. Green, S: Hoping for a place in the NFL
A two-star recruit coming out of high school, Green is another guy who had a great year for Clemson but might have a tough time finding a spot on a pro roster. At 6-3, 205, he’s big enough that scouts will take a close look at him. However, he’s going to have to answer questions about his athleticism in relation to his peers before he can find a firm spot in this draft.
Jayron Kearse, S: He’s got the right blood lines
He’s got the right size (6-4, 220) and the right bloodlines (related to longtime pros Phillips Buchanon and Jevon Kearse). Even better, he’s put all that to use on the field. Kearse had 6.5 tackles-for-loss and six passes defended last year and is an explosive hitter thanks to great closing speed. He will have to answer questions about concentration and allay fears that his mind might wonder as the last line of defense.
Charone Peake, WR: Size, but missing in production
Peake might be the most interesting study among the Clemson products. He’s got good size at 6-3, 208, and NFL scouts are in love with Tigers wide receivers thanks to Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, etc. Peake has long been viewed as an athletic freak. (He was the No. 5 high school wide receiver in the nation coming out of Moore, S.C.), but his production, while good, did not match his athleticism for much of his collegiate career.