2021 NFL Draft: Clemson OT Jackson Carman has top five potential

Do not sleep on this offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

When it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft, the offensive line discussion undoubtedly begins with Penei Sewell. The Oregon left tackle is an extremely clean and talented prospect who should be able to come in and dominate at the next level immediately and provide security on the offensive line for many years. He is on his way to becoming the best offensive line prospect in recent memory.

As great as Sewell is, there are many interesting offensive linemen in the upcoming class who are worth getting excited about. Clemson offensive tackle Jackson Carman is undoubtedly among them.

Carman entered Clemson as a five-star recruit and the second-ranked offensive tackle in the 2018 class, according to 247sports. He played a reserve role for the Tigers as a true freshman in 2018 but took over the starting left tackle job in 2019 and had immediate success. Carman started all 15 games for Clemson in 2019, was a consistent blindside protector for star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and was a third-team All-ACC selection.

With his massive 6-foot-5, 345-pound frame, Carman immediately stands out on the field. He has long arms and strong hands and uses both well in pass protection. His punch timing is awfully impressive for such a young player and he digs in and anchors at an extremely high level.

He has obvious power and underrated athleticism

Carman is undoubtedly impressive in pass protection, but he really shines when clearing out lanes in the running game. He is quick off of the ball and extremely powerful at the point of attack. Carman is a mean and nasty run blocker who consistently drives defenders down the field, seemingly with ease. Once this guy gets his hands on a defender in the run game, it is typically game over.

Carman’s size and power immediate stand out on tape, but do not sleep on his ability to move. He gets out in space and moves well for a man of his size and has quick and active feet in pass protection. Carman is not an elite athlete at the offensive tackle position, but he certainly moves his feet well enough to get the job done.

When it comes down to it, Carman undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level and is undoubtedly a guy to keep an eye on as the 2021 NFL Draft process unfolds. If he can continue to shine up front for the dynamic Clemson offense, do not be surprised if Carman ends up being the second offensive lineman off of the board behind Sewell. This guy is a tremendous prospect who can come in and lead an NFL offensive line for many years.