Clemson has several players in this year's NFL Draft that can have long careers. Where are some possible destinations for them? When will they be selected? The top Clemson prospects draft hopes are broken down below.
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Sammy Watkins-If you miss the start of this years NFL Draft you will miss the selection of Sammy Watkins. He could go as high as number 2 and shouldn't fall past pick 5. He's as NFL ready as any player in the draft. His speed, quickness, and size off the charts. His football IQ and route running ability are that of a savvy 10 year vet.
The Rams and Jaguars would love to have him at picks 2 and 3. If the Rams trade down to the 6th spot they'll likely target him there if he's available. With Bradford at QB, St. Louis would be the best fit for Watkins. The Lions are in love with Watkins and would be a great fit too. They would have to move up to the top 5 to even think about getting him.
The Raiders and Bucaneers are highly interested as well. Watkins will likely go to Jacksonville or Cleveland at pick 3 or 4, unless one of them trade their pick. Rumor is there are numerous teams willing to trade up to get him.
Martavis Bryant-Bryant has the physique NFL coaches droll over. His height and speed can cause matchup problems for opposing defenses. If Bryant can improve his fundamentals, route running, and be more consistent catching the ball he will develop into a nice pick for someone.
He's had private workouts with the 49ers, Bucaneers, Dolphins, Lions, Colts, and Steelers. If the Lions don't pick a receiver in the first round they could look to Bryant in the 2nd or 3rd. The Dolphins are looking to build around QB Ryan Tannehill and need telanted receivers to put around him. The Giants, Panthers, and Seahawks need to replace lost wide outs so they should have Martavis on their radar. He shouldn't slip past round 3, possibly early 4th.
Tajh Boyd-Boyd's stock has went as up and down as anyone in this year's draft. At one point a lot of experts had him as a first round pick and now some have him as low as the 6th. His lack of height and occasional erratic decision making have effected his stock. Boyd has a strong arm and in the right situation could thrive.
The Raiders have shown the most interest in him so far. They will try to pick him in the 3rd or 4th round. The Jets, Bears, Patriots, Panthers, Bucaneers, and Rams have all worked him out. The Bucs and Rams are next in line. New England would be a great fit so he can learn from Tom Brady. Same could be said if he went to New Orleans with Brees who doesn't have the ideal height like Boyd.
Bashaud Breeland-Breeland will benefit from the performance of Richard Sherman. The NFL is a copycat league and Breeland's size compares to that of Sherman. Bashaud is a big corner with solid cover skills. He doesn't have high end speed but has the instincts to make up for it.
Breeland could go as early as the 2nd round but will more than likely be a 3rd or 4th round pick. The Bills, Raiders, and 49ers are all very interested. The Bills would be a good fit and they appear to be the team most interested in him.
Brandon Thomas-Thomas stock was rising before he suffered an ACL injury during a workout for the Saints. He appeared to be a potential round 2 or 3 pick. Thomas was showing why he was so dependable at Clemson. He has the tools to be a starter for years in the NFL. He will have a challenging road ahead to prove he can overcome an ACL tear. Now he will be lucky to be picked in rounds 4 or 5.
The Saints where obviously interested before the injury and have the depth to allow him time for a full recovery. The Cowboys, Panthers, Giants, Raiders, and Dolphins were interested as well. The 49ers have a lot of picks in this years draft, like last year when they took Marcus Lattimore after his knee injury.
The Rest-Roderick McDowell,Quandon Christian, and Spencer each will likely be picked up as undrafted free agents. McDowell has worked out with the Jets. They could be a good landing spot. Any team with depth issues at running back would be eager to sign him. Christian has worked out with the Jets and the Redskins. Shuey can fit in almost anywhere. He would make a good special teams player. Db Darius Robinson could also sign as am undrafted free agent.
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