CLEMSON in the NFL

Green selected #57 overall in NFL Draft


by - Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson safety T.J. Green was drafted #57 overall by the Colts during the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday night.

Green skyrocketed up draft boards when he ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the Combine, which was the fastest of any safety in the draft and fourth fastest overall.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay discussed the selection of Green to the Colts moments after the pick.

"He didn't have great production in terms of ball production on interceptions, but he is a former wide receiver," McShay said. "A one-year starter that entered the program as a wide receiver, so he has the ability to go up and catch the football. He has physical tools. Remember everyone was talking about Jaron Kearse as a potential first rounder at 6-4 and a big physical guy. I kept watching the tape, and 15 was always around the ball. His best football is still ahead of him."

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. also had the following to say about Green's future in the NFL.

"I think everyone is looking at him late in the process as a press corner," Kiper Jr. said. "I think at 6-2 1/2, 210 lbs, with 4.3 40 speed and that great leaping ability in one season you could see the production. He had a lot of tackles. He is an aggressive football player. Bug corners are what a lot of teams are looking for with these big physically gifted wide outs coming into the NFL year after year. He is a developmental press corner, but he has an awful lot of talent to work with."

He finished his junior season with 95 tackles, 5.5 for loss, broke up three passes and forced two fumbles. He was a big reason Clemson ranked 10th in the nation in total defense in 2015.

In 2014, he had 24 tackles and an interception.

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