It’s Bowl season and there isn’t much better in life than the college football playoff. The first set of games included 2nd ranked Clemson against 3rd ranked Notre Dame. It became clear very quickly that Notre Dame had no business being voted in that game. Clemson routed Notre Dame 30-3 so let’s get down to what matters. What players stood out for better or worse in regards to the 2019 NFL Draft?
Notre Dame
This one is a tough one to start with after getting slaughtered. The talent on the Irish starts with the defense. Julian Love is raved about as a top corner. He then leaves the game and the secondary crumbles. Julian Okwara is the team’s best pass rusher. Then he left the game after recording a sack. After that, Notre Dame couldn’t produce a pass rush. Both players I really wanted to see and unfortunately there wasn’t much to see because of injuries.
Then we have the guys that I wanted to see and finished the game. Te’von Coney finished the game with 16 tackles. He just has great range and plus speed. Coney finishes tackles with regularity. Jerry Tillery, on the other hand, did not have do ANYTHING. No tackles, no sacks, nothing. Not a good sign for the big defensive lineman.
Notre Dame couldn’t really move the ball at all. The only weapon we got some sort of clarity on is Dexter Williams. I’m not sure if he is better or worse than Josh Adams but he is a borderline draft pick at best. 16 carries for 54 yards is not great. Sure, Clemson’s defensive front is great but Williams never made the first defender miss. Just a bad showing from everyone.
Clemson
Every time I watch Clemson, I become more and more impressed. The culture and winning pedigree the program has built almost rival Alabama. I think they might even beat Bama. Trevor Lawrence could play in the NFL tomorrow. Lock him up as the first pick in 2021 right now. Clemson’s offensive talent isn’t eligible for the draft. It’s all defense when it comes to the 2019 NFL Draft.
This was such an eye opening game for the Clemson front. No Dexter Lawrence after testing positive for a substance that I’m not exactly sure what it is. Nor do I care. Now it was time to see what the other guys can do without the bulldozer in the middle.
Christian Wilkins was doubled on every snap. His stats don’t show it but he provided pressure and opened opportunities for others. I love Wilkins but I didn’t know how good Austin Bryant was. This guy doesn’t get enough love. He starts for a reason over Xavier Thomas who will get in the first round when he’s eligible. Bryant has some quickness off the edge and he can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3. Check out some of his highlights below. Bryant notched 2 sacks in this one and keep in mind. Notre Dame has a great offensive line.
One last note. Keep an eye on Isaiah Simmons. There is a great athlete here. Good speed and really long. Simmons is a 6-foot-3 safety and can cover in one on one settings too. He was a difference maker for Clemson in the backend.
