Two Tigers ranked in Top 11 of Mel Kiper's Big Board |
| - - Wednesday, August 21, 2019, 2:36 PM |
You know you missed Mel Kiper Jr.'s crazy draft takes.
The NFL drafty analyst released his preseason Big Board for the 2020 NFL draft and had two Clemson players listed. Receiver Tee Higgins was ranked No. 10 overall and the second receiver behind Alabama's Jerry Jeudy (No. 1 overall player). "It’s the size that sticks out with Higgins -- he has a huge frame to create mismatches," Kiper said. "But he’s also a better-than-expected route runner, and he can stretch the field for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He can box out smaller cornerbacks in the red zone, and he can high-point the ball on sideline throws. Check out this catch and run. Higgins was a touchdown machine last season, scoring 12 times on 59 catches, and he’s going to have a big 2019 season." Higgins had a team-high 59 receptions for 936 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns last season.
Linebacker-safety hybrid Isaiah Simmons was ranked No. 11 on the list and the top listed linebacker.
"A converted safety who had 89 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss last season, Simmons is exactly what NFL teams look for in three-down linebackers in today’s game," Kiper said. "He has the size and speed to run sideline to sideline to chase down tailbacks, and he has the athletic ability to cover tight ends in the slot. He could even flip his hips and play some safety. Simmons is a combo player in the mold of Keanu Neal."
