NFL Draft Notes: Wisconsin RB Corey Clement Ready for Takeoff
With Melvin Gordon being picked in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Montee Ball preceding him as a 2nd rounder for the Denver Broncos in 2013, what is the potential for new featured back Corey Clement?
Clement, who backed up Gordon last year, is set to take the Big Ten by storm. Ezekiel Elliott holds the top ‘ranking’ spot at the position within the conference, but Clement is a guy that could easily stake his claim as the second best and challenge for the top spot in terms of production.
We all know Wisconsin backs know how to produce, even in reserve roles. That’s exactly what Clement did last year. In a star-studded class of backs in the Big Ten, including his Heisman candidate teammate, Clement wound up ranking 10th in the Big Ten in rushing yards last season with 949 yards while averaging just under seven yards per carry.
He also added nine touchdowns.
I decided since I had watched and admired so much of Melvin Gordon, I’ve given Corey Clement a bit of a cold shoulder. It was time to start giving him the respect he deserved, so I threw on the tape. I think you’re going to like what you see. We’re not going to get too deep into the scouting yet. There’s plenty of time (and room for growth) as this season progresses. Let’s take a quick look at what Clement brings to the table.
Observations
- Clement has incredible acceleration through the hole. When he sees a lane, he makes a cut upfield and he’s hard to take down.
- Thick lower body gives him the opportunity to easily bounce off of arm tackles.
- Open field speed is really good. I don’t know if he would have beaten Melvin Gordon in a foot race, but Clement is really fast in his own right. He had a lot of big runs last season, including a 72-yard burst against Illinois
- Hot take alert — I think Clement might be a better/more natural receiver than Melvin Gordon.
- Incredible footwork. Look at that highlight a couple of times, and take note of Clement’s footwork throughout. He is so smooth when it comes to chopping his feet, changing direction, and generally being agile in the open field.
Overall
If history is any indication at all, Clement is in line for a humongous statistical jump in 2015. He has every skill required to be a star back for the Badgers, and personally I think he’s going to be a really good NFL runner someday. He’s got a ton of room to grow. So much of what we saw last year from him was just his raw talent on display.
This season, we can expect enormous growth from him as a player, and the Badgers aren’t playing any games. He saw extensive work this Spring and the new coaches in Madison are already gushing over him.