CLEMSON in the NFL

Two Tigers projected in Top 13 picks of Kiper's NFL Mock Draft

Two Tigers projected in Top 13 picks of Kiper's NFL Mock Draft


by - Assoc. Editor -

NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his 2017 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 on Wednesday and two former Clemson players are projected in the first round.

Former Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams was projected #10 overall to the Buffalo Bills.

"After losing Robert Woods to the Rams in free agency, the Bills have a clear need at receiver," Kiper Jr. said. "And if Williams falls to No. 10, Buffalo would be getting a guy with a much higher ceiling than Woods, not to mention another Clemson wideout to go alongside Sammy Watkins. Williams' pro day moved him back to being my top-ranked receiver. His 40-yard dash was the question, and he ran right around 4.50, which is what he needed. Production wasn't the issue -- Williams (6-4, 218) had 98 catches for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. Quarterback could still be in play here too, with the Bills committing to Tyrod Taylor with limited guaranteed money."

In 2016, Williams had 98 receptions for 1361 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 177 catches for 2727 yards and 21 touchdowns (and his degree) during his impressive collegiate career at Clemson.

Former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was projected #13 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.

"Arizona needs a quarterback of the future, and this is a sneaky spot to grab one -- if he's still around," Kiper said. "Carson Palmer, 37, showed his age last season, and backup Drew Stanton hasn't proved he's a starting-caliber QB. So now Bruce Arians, who's a brilliant offensive mind, would get Palmer's heir apparent in Watson, who flashes top-five-pick talent at times but was inconsistent in 2016. At 6-2, 221, Watson has the arm strength, toughness and athleticism to play for a long time. He could back up Palmer in the short term while he adjusts gradually to the NFL. Keep an eye on the secondary here, too; the Cardinals lost their two starting safeties plus a corner in free agency."

In 2016, Watson completed 388 passes out of 579 attempts for 4593 yards and 41 passing touchdowns with 17 interceptions (and his degree) for an adjusted QBR of 84.9.

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