Three Tigers listed on Mel Kiper's 2019 NFL Big Board |
ESPN's eccentric 'draft guru' Mel Kiper Jr. released his 2019 NFL Draft Board this week and had three Clemson defensive linemen included in the top 20.
Defense might be the theme of the upcoming draft class as seven straight defensive players are on top of the rankings. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell was chosen No. 4 overall and the No. 2 DE behind Ohio State's Nick Bosa (1). "I thought Ferrell could have been a first-round pick in the 2018 draft when he was a third-year sophomore," Kiper said. "He's that good. And he jumps up 10 spots here after terrorizing Texas A&M and Georgia Southern with two sacks apiece and multiple pressures. Clemson has one of the most talented defensive lines I've ever seen in college football. Ferrell had 30.5 tackles for loss from 2016-17."
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was rated No. 6 overall and the No. 3 DT behind Houston's Ed Oliver (2) and Rashan Gary (5).
"As I wrote in my way-too-early Big Board, big-bodied guys who move like Lawrence and can eat gaps don't last long in the draft," Kiper said. "And Lawrence has shown that he is more than a plugger -- he has nine sacks in two seasons. Turn on the tape, and Lawrence takes on blockers and throws them aside."
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was rated No. 20 overall and the sixth best at his position.
"Wilkins skipped the 2018 draft and decided to return for another season at Clemson," Kiper said. "And like his linemate Ferrell, Wilkins could have gone on Day 1 last April. I compared Wilkins last year to former Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, because he's scheme-versatile and could play end or tackle in the NFL. Wilkins has 2.5 tackles for loss this season. The Clemson defensive line is loaded."
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