NFL Draft Profile: Jake Venables, Linebacker, Clemson Tigers
#15
Pos: LB
Ht: 6006
Wt: 235
40: 4.91
DOB: 1/18/2000
Hometown: Clemson, SC
High School: Daniel
Eligibility: 2023
Jake Venables
Clemson Tigers
One-Liner:
Venables played the Mike position with high-level instincts and acumen that embodied his play style.
Evaluation:
Fits the bill in terms of frame, with room to add weight. Awareness and timing were second nature on the field. Arrives at the snap, reaching ball carriers in the backfilled before linemen are out of their stance. Scrapes laterally, working through traffic and staying clean on his way to the running back. Noticeable hip fluidity, able to turn and cover-carry. Rerouted underneath receivers, staying square and gaining depth into passing lanes. Always played through the whistle. Not elite in a straight line, showing a laboring running technique in the open field. His body wasn't always adequately aligned when tackling, too many attempts with just his arms. Prone-to-hand fighting with linemen as opposed to working a move and shedding the block. Venables played the position with the required tenacity and toughness. His play recognition and intangibles leave no doubt he is a coach's son, proving his mental acuity and football intelligence.
Grade:
UDFA - Medically Retired
Background:
Jake Venables has had a tremendous career at Clemson. He began to make a true impact in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. For example, his tackles increased from thirty-nine to forty-four from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, he was named to the Third Team All ACC by Pro Football Focus. One of his impressive stats was in 2020 vs the fourth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish where he recorded seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Unfortunately, Venables is retiring from football due to medical reasons. “Mentally, he's in a great place,” his father Brent Venables said. “He's in a lot better place than I was when I heard the news.”
