After watching two former Clemson football products hear their names called Thursday night, we should expect to hear at least two more and maybe three called tonight.
The second and third rounds of the 2020 NFL draft will take place tonight and it should be more celebration for Clemson football fans as three different Tigers could hear their names called by the time the night is over.
Unfortunately for Tee Higgins, he was not chosen in the first round of the draft but tonight he will hear his name called as will John Simpson. K’Von Wallace has a chance to sneak into the end of the third round.
The only cause for pause with Wallace is that not a single safety was taken in the first round last night, though given the NFL is a passing league, we should see a run on them in the late second round and third. He is seen as a guy with limited range but impressed during the combine as well as the Clemson pro day.
Here is the NFL’s draft prospect review on each former Clemson football product.
Tee Higgins – Grade: 6.37
"Long, angular frame with cheat-code body control and ball skills when attacking downfield. Higgins is leggy getting off of the press, but those same leggy strides are weapons of separation that help create big plays. He’s played all three receiver spots and can be moved around to match up against cornerbacks. His size and “above the rim” talent make him a uniquely dangerous playmaker deep and in the red zone. The transition to NFL press corners will be an early challenge that could take some time to solve, but he’s an instinctive ball-winner whose traits should win out and make him a very good NFL starter."
John Simpson – Grade 6.35
"Broad, well-built snowplow of a guard with the traits and power to turn a crease into a full-fledged running lane. Teams looking to add physicality up front will covet Simpson, but keep in mind he was plenty effective with scoop blocks, pulls, second-level climbs and even screen blocking, which shows the big man can move. Tardiness coming out of his stance and issues changing direction in pass protection are concerns that may not be easily fixed and could lead to matchup-based inconsistencies. However, he plays with good technique and has the tools to become an early starter and a good NFL guard."
K’Von Wallace – 5.93
"While he played some safety and a lot of big nickel in 2019, his biggest impact came when cutting it loose as a downhill blitzer, disrupting the run and smashing quarterbacks. Wallace plays with exceptional grit and tenacity. He unloads with everything he’s got on hit after hit. His hips may be too tight to hold up in man coverage and he lacks range as a high safety. He’s a potential backup safety capable of playing near the line and helping on special teams."