Three Tigers listed on McShay's 2019 Top 12 draft prospects

Lawrence is a bonafide NFL prospect

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Thu Oct 25 11:23:31 GMT-04:00 2018

ESPN's draft analyst Todd McShay released his 2019 NFL Draft Board recently and had three Clemson defensive linemen were included in the top 12.

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was rated No. 4 overall (previously 4), grade of 94, and the No. 2 rated DT behind only Houston's Ed Oliver.

"Lawrence has remarkable agility and athleticism for his size, giving him great range for a run defender," he said. "He needs to be better about pad level, but single blockers can't move him at all. His power is overwhelming. The numbers haven't jumped out yet this year, as he has recorded just one tackle for a loss; but there's a lot of talent here, and he is playing with one of the best lines in the country.

Lawrence has recorded 18 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss and eight quarterback pressures in 2018.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. had Lawrence rated No. 20 overall in his Top 25 draft board today.

Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was rated No. 6 overall (previously 6), grade of 93, and the No. 3 rated defensive tackle behind Oliver and Lawrence.

"At his best in a 3-technique role, Wilkins is scheme-versatile and has experience playing inside and outside -- and he wreaks havoc either way," he said. "He has great foot speed, and when he doesn't get home, he gets his hands in passing lanes. Well-liked and a leader in the locker room, Wilkins projects as a three-down starter. With Clemson this season, he has 5.5 TFL and two sacks as a force at the line of scrimmage."

Wilkins has registered 24 tackles including 5.5 for loss, two sacks, and seven quarterback pressures.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. didn't include Wilkins in his Top 25 draft board today.

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell was chosen No. 12 overall (previously 11) with a grade of 90.

"Ferrell is an ascending player with very good, if not elite, physical tools," he said. "He grades out as an every-down NFL starter, though he could be used as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end. Through just six games, his quick first step and active hands have helped him to eight tackles for loss and six sacks (tied for 15th in the nation)."

Kiper had Ferrell ranked No. 6 overall in his draft board today.