Clemson football: Top NFL prospect quarterbacking Tigers?

Is D.J. Uiagalelei the next first round QB from Clemson?

Clemson football has had its share of top NFL prospects at the helm in recent years, including Deshaun Watson and number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say not many expected current quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei to be on that list.

But there he is at the number four position on a 2023 NFL Mock Draft that even the author admitted was a “fool’s errand”.

Indeed.

I’ve opined in this space more than once about the articles that are written and words spewed about Dabo Swinney’s alleged transgressions are more about clicks than actual outrage.

This likely fits into that category, too, except this one includes D.J., the clicks part, not the outrage.

How better to spice up a boring list for an event that occurs a year from now by adding one of the more controversial quarterbacks in college football?

A couple of things we should note about this journalistic masterpiece.

First, McIntyre’s by line includes the title “Fox Sports Betting Analyst”.  That means this is based on betting odds and likely perceived “value”, which is the most vague, self-determined and defined word in the English language, in my opinion.  Value to you may be a waste of money to me.

Secondly, his business is about clicks.  How many people clicked on that list just because it included D.J.’s name?  A lot, I’m willing to bet.  Certainly more than would have clicked if his name wasn’t on it.

Third, this isn’t about football, at least not the football D.J. has played at Clemson.  It’s about his size and potential.

"This highly rated QB struggled last season on a bad Clemson team, but the tools are all there for the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder to be one of the best pro prospects, in the Daunte Culpepper mold."

I’m not bagging on Uiagalelei, I think he’s being given an unfair portion of criticism for being surrounded by a not so great team last season.  Yes, he made bad throws, reads and plays, but every position on the offense also made their share of mistakes.

Are the expectations unfair?

Perhaps one problem D.J. is struggling with is the expectations that surround the position at Clemson following Watson and Lawrence. Perhaps unrealistic expectations.

So what does the media do when someone hasn’t lived up to expectations?  Set them even higher.

Does D.J. have NFL potential?  I don’t know, I’ve heard differing opinions, but I can tell you he hasn’t played like one.

I also know Logan Thomas has played quarterback in the NFL, so there’s that.

But let’s remember, McIntyre’s not only saying D.J. will be the fourth quarterback picked, but also the fourth overall player picked.

Could a team see potential and be willing to take a chance on D.J.? Certainly.

Will they do it as the fourth overall pick? Not a chance.