CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Watson was the first QB listed in the Top 32 rankings
Watson was the first QB listed in the Top 32 rankings

3 Tigers listed in Top 14 prospects for 2017 Big Board


by - Assoc. Editor -

Pro Football Focus has released their list of their Top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft and three Tigers made the list with cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, wide receiver Mike Williams, and quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Tankersley was ranked #5 overall and the second cornerback in the rankings.

"Tankersley’s 6-foot-1 frame will immediately catch the eye of a number of teams but his on-field play is what is moving him up the list," PFF said. "He uses that length well in press coverage and he can move better than most long corners, though smaller, shiftier receivers will always be a challenge."

He has 22 tackles, four tackles for loss, and six pass deflections on the season.

Williams was ranked #12 on the list and the second wide receiver on the big board.

"Williams has rebounded nicely after missing all but 12 snaps a year ago, stepping right back in as the go-to guy for QB Deshaun Watson," PFF said. "He and Watson has a good feel for the vertical route tree, working go route and back-shoulder throws off of it and it’s Williams’ downfield body control that makes it work. He has all of the skills to be the top receiver in the class."

He has 39 receptions for 578 yards and four touchdowns this season. For his career, he has 118 catches for 1944 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Watson was ranked #14 overall and was the only quarterback listed in the first 32 players.

"While we had Watson at the top of the board to start the season, it’s been a disappointing start from an evaluation standpoint," PFF said. "Watson’s accuracy has declined this year, as evidenced by an adjusted completion percentage drop from 77.1 percent in 2015 to 71.3 percent this season. Beyond that, he’s made more poor decisions with the ball, either forcing passes into coverage or misreading the play entirely. There’s still a lot to like about Watson, and if last year is any indication, he’s about ready to right the ship and go off in the second half of the season, but we’d like to see improvement in a few key areas."

Watson has completed 164 of 258 passes for 1950 yards and 20 touchdown passes on the season.

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