Clemson Football: Where will each Tiger be drafted, and by which NFL team?
By Barry Shuck
Round 7
One NFL club that has a great need for offensive linemen is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the 215th pick in this round, OT Mitch Hyatt (6’-5”, 305 pounds) would allow the Bucs some much-needed depth. A very intelligent player, Hyatt has an aggressive nature and is very good with pulling on a run play.
His strength is a concern and will need more weight training or else he will become uncomfortable by bigger and stronger DEs at the next level. Should be an excellent swing tackle to mentor and take some time to develop.
The Chicago Bears with pick number 238 can select DE Austin Bryant (6’-4”, 270 pounds). He plays bigger than his size and is aggressive with good leverage, but often will not shed blockers and he struggles with change-of-direction.
Will often get pushed off his gap and will need to hit the weight room hard during his off-season. The Bears were number one against the run last year, but a young buck to groom and substitute is always a welcome addition. Chicago would be a perfect landing spot for Bryant.
Undrafted
When a player is not drafted, it does not mean he is unwanted nor can he make a final 53-man NFL roster. Sometimes, the fact that the player is not locked into a single club can be to his benefit.
In 2003, QB Tony Romo was not selected and then was immediately contacted by two teams after the draft had concluded. After examining both teams’ roster, he chose the Cowboys and felt he had a better shot at being Drew Bledsoe’s backup in Dallas. Eventually, he became the starter and signed a huge $108 million contract.
Other famous undrafted free agents include WR Drew Pearson, LB James Harrison, OT Larry Little, TE Antonio Gates, QB Kurt Warner and C Lou “The Toe” Groza.
The remaining Clemson players who do not hear their name called over the three-day draft should not get discouraged, but will carefully tender all offers and decide which roster is in need of their position services the most; plus decide which club will give them the greatest opportunity to not only make the final roster, but eventually start.
DT Albert Huggins (6’-3”, 305 pounds) could actually be drafted in the later rounds and considered a project ranked #332.
He is a good run stopper and an average pass rusher. He can become a disruptor at times while other plays come to be invisible. He will need some patience in the NFL and pick a team that needs inside guys such as the Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Giants.
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The backup center position should be the goal of C Justin Falcinelli (6’-4”, 305 pounds). Currently, he is ranked #392 and is considered a project. He has poor foot speed and will need to show improvement with hand fighting. He is very strong and a good pass blocker. The New York Jets or Jaguars would be an excellent new home who need center depth.