NFL Draft Prospects: Clemson
#9 RB Wayne Gallman (6’0 | 215 | 4.52) – Gets lost in the shuffle of talented backs in this year’s stacked draft class, but he’s a legitimate NFL prospect. Gallman has been extremely productive the last two seasons with an average of 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He lacks breakaway speed and isn’t flashy, but moves the chains with great vision, patience, and acceleration through the hole. Gallman has also been among the CFB leaders in forcing missed tackles (PFF). He uses a blend of power, quick feet, and an angry running style to gain extra yards in the open field.
Gallman is also a well-rounded back with soft hands out of the backfield (63 career catches) and advanced pass protection skills. According to Pro Football Focus, Gallman didn’t give up any sacks and only six hurries in 2015.
HIs lack of top-end speed and a loaded draft class may drop Gallman to the draft’s third day, but some team could get a steal that late. He should be able to contribute as a third-down back right away and may eventually develop into a solid NFL starter.
Projection: 4th round
G Tyrone Crowder (6’2 | 340 | 5.43) – First team All-ACC guard who consistently played well in Clemson’s biggest games (AUB, FSU, OSU) this year. Crowder has plenty of bulk at 340 pounds but moves surprisingly well when asked to pull or trap.
He can be a mauler in the run game with impressive power and the ability to wipe out defenders at the second level when on the move, but his technique is inconsistent. Crowder is naturally strong but doesn’t get the most out of it due to sloppy hand placement. At times, he just uses his massive frame to engulf defenders instead of getting inside and driving them off the ball.
As a pass blocker, the results were usually solid for Crowder, including not giving up a single pressure against Florida St’s dangerous pass rush, but his technique wasn’t pretty. Crowder uses his wide frame and long arms to keep pass rushers at bay, but both his footwork and hand placement need improvement. He could struggle against speed rushers at the NFL level.
The size, power, ane effort level are in place for Crowder to be a starting guard at the next level, but his technique will need to improve before he’s more than just interior depth.
Projection: 4th round
WR Artavis Scott (5’10 | 190 | 4.49) – Despite a drop in his stats this year, Scott has had a very productive career for the Tigers with over 900 receiving yards in both 2014 and 2015. This year his catches (73), yards (608), and touchdowns (5) were all career lows, but he was still an important part of Clemson’s attack.
Scott lined up all over the field this season but his lack of size should limit him to the slot at the next level. He’s extremely quick with sharp enough route-running ability to get open consistently. Scott is also strong for his size and uses his strength to beat jams at the line of scrimmage.
He adjusts to the ball wall on deep throws and can make people miss in the open field or just outrun them. His timed speed is nothing special, but he looks like he plays faster than that on the field.
Scott also contributed as a kick and punt returner for Clemson and could do the same at the next level. He has all the traits necessary to be a productive slot receiver in the NFL and enough quickness to help in the return game. He’s likely an early day three pick in this year’s draft.
Projection: 4th-5th round