The best 2019 NFL Draft prospect on every College Football Playoff team
By Joel Deering
2. Clemson Tigers
Best 2019 NFL Draft prospect: DE Clelin Ferrell
2018 Stats: 42 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks
Analysis: Unlike Alabama’s defensive lineman, Quinnen Williams, Clelin Ferrell isn’t leading the Clemson Tigers in solo tackles. However, Ferrell is leading all Clemson defensive lineman in total tackles (47). Just because Ferrell isn’t leading his team in tackles, it doesn’t make him any less of an impactful player.
On the season, Ferrell has racked up 17.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Both those numbers lead the Clemson defense. Ferrell has dominated offensive lines around the country all season long, but this season wasn’t the first time he’s done so.
Since 2016, Ferrell has racked up 48 tackles for loss and 26 sacks. Not only has he been a consistent player for the Tigers, but he’s also improved every year. In 2016, Ferrell had 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. In 2017, he had 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. This season, he’s tallied 17.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
It’s one thing to be productive, but being able to produce while continually getting better puts Clelin Ferrell on another level. If Clemson ends up being the last College Football Playoff team standing, I’d be willing to bet Clelin Ferrell has something to do with it.
As evidenced by his high number of tackles for loss and sacks, Ferrell is an all-around play maker. Ferrell is an elite pass rusher, but he’s also very good at defending the run. Clelin Ferrell is the type of player every NFL team is looking for.
Watch for Ferrell to have a big impact in their game against Notre Dame. His wide range of abilities will be on full display, showing why he’s the best 2019 NFL Draft prospect Clemson has to offer.