Tigers set record on first night of NFL Draft
As expected, the Clemson Tigers defensive line stole the show in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night, as Clelin Ferrel, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence were all off the board in the first 17 picks.
The selection of Lawrence gave the Tigers three first round selections and set a program record for first round picks.
Former Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell became the first Tiger taken in the 2019 NFL Draft, as he was selected by the Raiders with the fourth pick in the first round Thursday night.
Ferrell redshirted the 2015 season before a prolific run as a three-year starter from 2016-18, as he completed college career with 166 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 27.0 sacks, 51 quarterback pressures, seven pass breakups and five caused fumbles in 2,167 snaps over 44 games (all starts).
Ferrell left Clemson as only the second two-time, first-team AP All-American and the school’s first such player since 1981-82 despite playing only three seasons. His 44 starts were the most by any defensive end/outside linebacker in school history and ranked tied for fourth in Clemson history with 27 career sacks, tied with William “Refrigerator” Perry.
According to the NFL, Ferrell is a "Highly productive 4-3 defensive end with prototypical size, length and strength to offer early help against both the run and pass. Playing next to NFL talent in all three years certainly made things easier for Ferrell, but his edge-setting and rush plan improvements are self-made. His rush can be leggy and gradual and might not get home as often in the pros, but NFL coaching might further unleash his physical traits and turn him into a star. Ferrell is a complete defender and steady talent who could start early for a 4-3 stop unit."
Wilkins lifelong dream of playing football in the NFL came true, as he was selected by the Dolphins with the 13th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Wilkins concluded a stellar four-year career as one of Clemson’s most decorated and most beloved figures. He completed his career with 250 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 56 quarterback pressures, 16 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 2,441 snaps over 59 games (45 starts)
A three-time All-American who became the fifth unanimous All-American in school history in 2018, Wilkins was a three-time All-ACC selection and the second four-time All-ACC Academic selection in school history and his 59 career games are tied with tight end Cannon Smith for the most in school history.
According to the NFL, Wilkins has the, "Desired combination of athleticism, production and character with the ability to fit into a stop unit that already has some pieces in place. Wilkins is a slippery, upfield three-technique with the ability to make plays outside his area. He plays with low pads allowing for optimal disruption leverage in the gaps, but he needs to be paired with an attacking front as he lacks the length and strength to hold his ground as a read-and-react tackle. He's busy and agile as a rusher, which could keep him on the field for more snaps."
"I'm just so excited, man. This is awesome, man," Wilkins told Deion Sanders on NFL Network. "I just can't wait to become a part of this fraternity, the brotherhood, of guys who make it to the NFL. This is really special, and I'm just ready to be a trendsetter and be an ambassador for this league.
Dexter Lawrence was selected by the Giants with the 17th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.
Lawrence declared for the NFL Draft after completing his Clemson career with 162 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 43 quarterback pressures, five pass breakups, a caused fumble and three recovered fumbles in 1,541 snaps over 40 games (36 starts). A first-team All-American, Lawrence was also a three-time All-ACC selection.
According to the NFL, Lawrence is a, "Massive defensive tackle with the size, length, power and relative athleticism to play a variety of positions in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. While Lawrence certainly has his share of flashes on tape, he's never really turned into the playmaker that many expected him to become after his freshman year.
“However, many of the best defenses in the NFL have had interior linemen with the traits and power Lawrence possesses. While he has the ability to play in any scheme, he might be at his best as a read-and-react run-stuffer with the ability to stymie running games with his size and force"
