Kearse selected #244 overall in 2016 NFL Draft

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Sat Apr 30 18:19:16 GMT-04:00 2016

Former Clemson safety Jayron Kearse was drafted #244 overall by the Minnesota Vikings during the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday night.

Kearse will be reunited with former Clemson teammate Mackensie Alexander in Minnesota.

NFL draft analyst Todd McShay had the following evaluation of Kearse's 2015 season at Clemson.

"A lot of people early in the process were comparing him to Cam Chancellor," McShay said. "He's big. He's long, long arms. He makes some splash plays. He has ability. There is upside here to develop, but he has got to be more physical as a football player. I saw him turn down contact entirely too many times. I thought there was way too much pile inspector in his game. He has got the ability and be more physical and play the game the way he is capable of playing."

In 2015, Kearse was a first-team All-American by ESPN and second-team Associated Press All-American with 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception and six pass breakups.

Ready to rock that purple and gold #27
— Jayron Kearse (@JayronKearse8) May 1, 2016

We have selected @JayronKearse8 with the 244th overall pick.

What do you think @MackAlexander20? pic.twitter.com/GxGIa9qPF2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 30, 2016

Congrats @JayronKearse8 on joining the @Vikings family and let's go get this work and show them what @ClemsonFB #NoFlyZone is about
— Mackensie Alexander (@MackAlexander20) April 30, 2016

It's crazy to see a player so talented fall this far in the draft. Ain't no way @JayronKearse8 should still be on the board this late.
— T.J. Green (@BossGreen256) April 30, 2016

Congrats to Jayron Kearse on being drafted by the @Vikings #ClemsonNFL
— Coach Jeff Scott (@coach_jeffscott) April 30, 2016

They was sleeping on @JayronKearse8 but he going to wake'em up
— Mike Williams (@darealmike_dub) April 30, 2016

Congrats Fam @JayronKearse8
— VanSmithII2??3?? (@PrettyPyrex4) April 30, 2016

@JayronKearse8 bro wats understood don't have to be said I know make em pay bro
— Bashaud Breeland (@Salute_me17) April 30, 2016

Big congrats to @ClemsonFB @JayronKearse8 on being drafted by the @Vikings #TIGERSTRONG
— Adam Smotherman (@SmothermanAdam) April 30, 2016

Blessings @JayronKearse8 love you bro
— #9?? (@Wanye_Kanye) April 30, 2016

God is great! Cherone and @JayronKearse8 selected 7th round to jets and Vikings
— Robert R. Smith (@rrsmith27) April 30, 2016

What a steal ...y'all gone have to pay this man in a few years @JayronKearse8 https://t.co/jitANOHZg9
— Quandon Christian (@OHYEAH_BIG12) April 30, 2016

That's my brother and we some savages ?? lets eat my guy! ?? #BestSafetyDuo @JayronKearse8 pic.twitter.com/cEBZM1rco4
— T.J. Green (@BossGreen256) April 30, 2016