Ohio State vs. Clemson Fiesta Bowl: 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch

Nyles Pinckney, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

After the Clemson defensive line-stacked first round last year, it’s no wonder there aren’t many left as top 2020 NFL Draft prospects this year. Nyles Pinckney is the best they’ve got this year, and while the production hasn’t quite been there throughout his short career at Clemson, the potential is evident.

Marred behind Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins, Pinckney didn’t get much playing time prior to this season. Although his numbers haven’t necessarily taken a great jump with his increased opportunity this season, he shows some traits on tape that should translate to the next level.

Plain and simple, this dude is strong. He has a low center of gravity with strong arms and legs to win one-on-one battles with blockers and hold up at the line of scrimmage. He isn’t the most athletic, but he is a run-stuffer who will hope to grab J.K. Dobbins a time or two before he can burst through the line of scrimmage.

Robert Landers, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

Robert Landers isn’t quite as powerful as Pinckney, but brings a bit of athleticism to his game. Outshined year-after-year by Ohio State’s incredibly talented edge rushers, Landers is effective in the middle in run defense and pass rush.

Landers has only played eight games this season, and has totaled just 13 tackles. However, of those 13 tackles, 5.5 have been for a loss. For his career, 23.5 of his 64 tackles have been for a loss, also adding 2.5 sacks.

It is clear that when Landers is out there, his goal is to get into the backfield and disrupt the play. They are always looking for players like that to at least use in rotation in the NFL, and Landers could make a few huge plays if he is able to break through the line and bring Etienne or Lawrence down in the backfield a time or two in the Fiesta Bowl.

Thayer Munford, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Thayer Munford has an offensive tackle frame that NFL scouts, GMs and coaches will drool over. 6-foot-6 and 310 lbs, Munford fits the mold of a tall, long-armed tackle that can keep rushers well away from the quarterback.

Munford is long and strong. He is a dominant one-on-one blocker and can drive defenders straight to the ground. Where he is still developing is with his athleticism and lateral quickness. He came to Ohio State 350 lbs and has gotten down to 310 while still maintaining his strength. He is just still getting the hang of moving his feet and using his slightly more slender body.

As an NFL prospect, Munford could just use some more time to develop his technique. The potential is definitely there, but the things scouts are looking for may not be on tape quite yet. However, he is responsible for protecting the blindside of his slightly hobbled quarterback for the remainder of the season. One missed block could lead to Fields being out for the game, so the pressure is on Munford and the rest of the offensive line to keep their star QB healthy.

Tremayne Anchrum, Offensive Tackle, Clemson

As a senior, Tremayne Anchrum has a ton of experience as a starting tackle against some of the best in the business. Although he has a smaller frame for an NFL tackle prospect, Anchrum can solidly get his job done.

He uses his hands well against opposing pass rushers and has a great base to stay on balance throughout his blocks. He is a decent athlete with enough mobility to be effective against speed rushers and in the screen game. He serves as Clemson’s right tackle, so he is not a coveted blindside blocker entering the 2020 NFL Draft, but will likely be tasked with blocking Chase Young one-on-one at some point in the game, and with Young, a single snap can change the entire game.

John Simpson, Guard, Clemson

Like Munford and Nyles Pinckney on the other side of the ball at Clemson practices, guard John Simpson is an absolute mauler. He has very heavy hands that finish blocks all the way to the ground. He then turns his attention to his next victim in pass protection and the next level when run blocking.

Simpson is very susceptible to quick, elusive moves in pass protection. He is a beast when he gets his hands on you, but struggles mightily to catch up if the defender avoids him off the snap. Will he be a liability to inside pass rush by Robert Landers or be instrumental in paving the way for Travis Etienne to dominate the game?

Don’t overlook those big boys doing work at the line of scrimmage. The game can truly be won or lost there, and in big games like this, lesser-known prospects can make a name for themselves (good or bad), impacting their 2020 NFL Draft stock.