Carlos Watkins, Clemson
6-3, 309
Watkins was a five year player for the Clemson Tigers, having received a medical redshirt for the 2013 season after he was involved in a massive one car wreck that killed his cousin, who happened to be the driver.
As a freshman, he played in nine games, and recorded 13 tackles and one TFL. He also added two QB hurries.
As a sophomore, in 2013, he played in three games before the injuries, and recorded five tackles, with 1.5 TFLs.
He returned as a rs sophomore in 2014, and played in 11 games. He finished with Eight tackles and two TFLs.
He was finally handed a starting job as a junior, and collected 34 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks.He added three PBUs, and two QB hurries. He also picked off a pass and returned it for a score.
He could have left after his junior season and was given a second round grade, He chose instead to return and try to win a national title, showing great selflessness and commitment to something bigger than himself. He finished with 50 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, four PBUs, four QB hurries, and a blocked kick.
The Good
Watkins has a solid build, and actually has room to add to his frame.
Explosive off of the snap.
Works very well in space, and is very fluid.
Has the ability to generate power from his legs.
Plays with solid balance.
Handles double teams well.
Has the ability to pick up pace in pursuit.
The Bad
Has had limited development, and never really blew up until his senior season.
Plays too high at times, and fails to regulate pad level.
Lunges for tackles too often, even though he knows better.
Stays with his blocker too long, rides the wave.
Does not excel in pass rush.
Final Overview
Watkins looks like a rotational tackle right now, as he needs more time for development. He fits in either a 4-3 front or a 3-4 as a nose tackle, but he is still lacking in some fundamentals to be impactful right away. He did show some major loyalty by returning for his senior season when he did not have to, and that is to be commended. He has enough skill to be a solid rotational guy with potential long term starter potential. He will likely go in the late second to early third round.
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