Two Tigers listed on Mel Kiper's 2019 Top 25 draft prospects |
ESPN's 'draft guru' Mel Kiper Jr. released his 2019 NFL Draft Board on Wednesday and had two Clemson defensive linemen included in his top 23.
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell was chosen No. 19 overall (previously 6) and the No. 3 DE behind Ohio State's Nick Bosa (1) and Florida State's Brian Burns. "I thought Ferrell could have been a first-round pick in the 2018 draft as a third-year sophomore," he said. "He's that good. He had 9.5 sacks last season and has 8.5 this season. He terrorized 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, and Ferrell is the top prospect.spect." For the season, Ferrell has registered 32 tackles including 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and two pass-breakups.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was rated No. 23 overall (Previously 23) and the No. 6 rated DT.
"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," he said. "And Lawrence has shown that he is more than a plugger -- he had nine sacks in his first two seasons. Turn on the tape, and you'll see Lawrence take on blockers and throw them aside. He hasn't made a huge impact this season, however, as he has only 25 total tackles and three tackles for loss."
Lawrence has recorded 25 tackles including 3 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and five quarterback pressures in 2018.
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