RTR Round Table Discussion – 2017 NFL Draft
Welcome to Rubbing The Rock’s weekly round table discussion, where each of the members of Rubbing The Rock’s staff debate on a specific topic. This weeks topic is the 2017 NFL Draft, which begins tonight.
Related Story: RTR Round Table Discussion: Clemson Baseball vs FSU
Clemson could potentially have up to 10 players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. Leading the way for the Tigers will be Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams who are both projected to land some where in the first round tonight.
Here’s who each of our writers expects to have the biggest impact as a rookie.
Ben Greeson-
I expect Mike Williams and Carlos Watkins to make the biggest splash as a rookie in NFL. Williams has all of the physical traits necessary. The way he attacks the ball in the air will set him apart. I fully expect Mike Williams to have a long and prosperous NFL career.
Carlos Watkins is a really big, strong, physical defensive tackle that can move with great quickness. Those guys don’t grow on trees. He’ll get immediate playing time where he’s drafted.
See also: Grading Clemson’s First Round Picks Over The Past 10 Years
Tyreese Ingram-
It’s hard to really say which Clemson player will have the biggest impact as a rookie without knowing which team drafts them. As with most rookies, the situation of their team could determine the playing time for next season. But if I had to choose one player, then receiver Mike Williams would be the guy.
Typically, linebackers and running backs have more success as rookies, but Williams has the size and ball skills that most teams can use on third down and in the red zone. His ability to catch quick slants and out jump smaller defensive backs makes him a weapon for any team. If he can consistently fight through the initial press coverage from pro corners, he could find himself getting a lot of work on Sundays.
Clemson Tigers Football
See also: 5 Best Teams For Deshaun Watson
Cole Little-
The Clemson Tigers could have as many as 10 players selected in this year’s NFL Draft, which will be fitting because of the greatness sported by the 2016 team. While Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams should hear their names called early on, the Tigers do seem to be generating a degree of disrespect from draft pundits, as the projections do not seem to be slanted in Clemson’s favor.
With that being said, there are several sleepers out of Clemson in this year’s draft class, specifically strong safety Jadar Johnson. Despite spending only one season in the starting lineup at Clemson, Johnson was one of the team’s top leaders and performers last year, as he led the Tigers with five interceptions. A key voice in the secondary, Johnson used his impeccable athleticism to man the secondary from start to finish last season and is almost certain to outplay his fifth-round projection.
See also: Jordan Leggett could be a mid round steal in the 2017 NFL Draft
Anthony Messenger-
I’d have to agree with Tyreese, as a rookie, a lot of your success is based on the situation you are drafted into. Take Dak Prescott for instance, while he is great in his own right, playing behind the best offensive line and running back in the NFL certainly made things easy for him.
If I had to pick one former Tiger in particular that will have success as a rookie, I’d have to say Wayne Gallman. It is likely that Gallman is a mid-round pick, which could send him to an established franchise looking to fill specific holes. Gallman has the skill set to play from day 1 in the NFL, he can obviously run the ball, however, he catches it well and above all else he is great in pass protection.
Next: NFL Nation 2017 Mock Draft: Saints Select Deshaun Watson