ACC- Clemson

CJ Spiller, RB, Sr- I’ve loved Spiller for years now, and he still continues to impress me. He’s a game breaker and he’s easily the best back in the country. Home run hitter in return game, pass game, and run game. Spiller can change games, and whoever gets him will be lucky.

Jacoby Ford, WR, Sr- Another game breaker. Elite level long speed and burst, and he can make the big play at any time. He’s got great vision and run after the catch ability. Good return man as well who gets overshadowed by a very good return man in Spiller. Ford is also actually a really strong blocker, good punch. He’s a guy who will probably slip to the third round range because of his smaller stature, and Ford will be an absolute steal there. He needs to be used properly to take advantage of his strengths and mask his weaknesses, but his explosive speed and big play capability are enough to overlook the fact that he’s only 5’8”.

Kyle Parker, QB, RS FR- Great arm, terrible decision maker and accuracy. He’s young though, so he has time to develop. Someone to watch over the next few years as he will shoulder a lot of the offensive load with Ford and Spiller gone.

Michael Palmer, TE, Sr- Palmer looks like a big enough guy who could develop into a solid blocker, and he does a good job of getting open in the intermediate range. He’s a mid rounder, but a valuable pick because he can help in the run and pass game.

Thomas Austin, LG, Sr- I don’t think he should be drafted, as for a guard, I saw him get trucked more than once. Not good.

Ricky Sapp, DE, Sr- Good, versatile, defensive end. Plays standing up at times, so he shows the ability to play as an OLB in a 3-4. Sapp can really flatten and get the corner in the pass rush. In the run game, what he does well is contain the outside, but he can get run on as he’s not overly physical at the point of attack. I think he’s too small to play a 4-3 DE, but he’s someone who I would take in the second or early third as he is a good enough pass rusher to contribute in this phase right away.

Kevin Alexander, OLB, Sr- Alexander is a solid blitzer, but gets swallowed up at the point of attack. At best he’s a late round prospect, but it would not surprise me if he went undrafted

Kavell Connor, OLB, Sr- Connor is very short for this position, which will hurt his draft grade. The good part is he’s always around the ball, but he seems to not have the best athleticism. He struggles breaking down in space against faster backs, but he still finds a way to get in on the play. I’m actually really interested to see what his 40 time is as he seems a bit slow on the field. Other than that, he’s got great instincts, good technique, uses his hands to shock blockers well, and is just a decent all around player. A late rounder with some potential to move up a round or so.

Brandon Maye, MLB, So- Maye shows very good instincts for a player of his age. He seems undersized though, but that’s something he can work on over the next two years in the weight room. Has I think Maye showed the ability to be a starter on the inside at the next level in the few games I watched him play in this year. He’d make a very good fit inside in a 3-4, and he’s a guy I will watch over the next two years to see how he develops.

Chris Chancellor, CB, Sr- Chancellor is solid against the run, and a liability against the pass. Not good enough for a position dedicated to stopping the passing game.

Da’Quan Bowers, DE, So- Bowers has a really bright future, and he’s someone I could see who comes out early nest year and be in first round consideration. He can rush the passer and is very stout against the run. Next year Bowers needs to show that he can still make an impact once Ricky Sapp is gone (and he will face more double team blocks). What I like most about him is that he is absolutely relentless and never stops moving on a play. So makes more plays on second effort than on talent alone. That’s a dangerous mix when considering an NFL draft prospect

Crezdon Butler, CB, Sr- Got burnt numerous times. Not draftable.

DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Jr- I’m absolutely shocked that McDaniel decided to come back for his Senior year. Had he come out this year, I would have had him as the third rated safety overall behind only Eric Berry and Earl Thomas. He’s better than Mays because he has better instincts, and he’s just as athletic. McDaniel is just an outstanding two way player against the run and pass. His closing speed once he diagnoses the play is elite. If he can even maintain the level of play from this year, there is no question in my mind he is a first round draft pick. If he can show any kind of possible improvement, he could make a Berry like ascension to the top 10 discussion for next season.