T.J. Green, S, Clemson: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

T.J. Green played only three years with Clemson at safety, concluding his junior season by losing to Alabama. He began to see a lot of playing time his sophomore year when he was the primary kick returner. He ran for 445 yards on 21 returns.

Green recorded two forced fumbles, one interception and 98 total tackles last season, a significant jump from the season prior when he had only 18 tackles. Green went from starting only one game as a sophomore to a solidified, weekly started in Clemson’s secondary as a junior. Last season, Green was part of a Clemson team who went undefeated until the National Championship Game against Alabama.

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Measurables

Height: 6′ 2″

Weight: 190 lbs

Arm Length: 32 inches

Hand Width: 9 5/8 inches

Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches

Broad Jump: 129 inches (ranked 2nd best at Combine)

Bench press: 13 reps (225 lbs)

Strengths

Green is fast, his 40-yard dash time at the 2016 NFL Combine was 4.34 seconds, fastest among all safeties. He hustles on punt coverage and is usually the first one to the ball. He frequently runs down ball-carriers who are on breakaways.

Green is a committed tackler and is always running toward the ball. He’s good at predicting runs and squaring-up ball-carriers. Green’s tackles ranked second on Clemson’s defense last season.

Moments don’t become too big for him and neither do big-name opponents.

T.J. Green tackles Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, allowing  minimal pick-ups, in the 2016 National Championship Game.

Weaknesses

T.J. Green has started only one year, he may need more time to mature, gain experience and hone his skills as a consistent safety. Too many fails to pick up motioned receivers, leading to wide-open targets. He isn’t slow but sometimes lets receivers maneuver around him.

Green was guilty of not covering two receivers, leading Alabama touchdowns.

Final Thoughts

T.J. Green is entering the draft as a junior so his youth and inexperience will probably affect his draft stock. He plays with energy but makes the occasional bone-headed mistake. Being part of a second-team defense with the special teams play he succeed in at Clemson may be the reality of Green’s first couple years in the league.

Potential Fits

Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans