2021 NFL Draft rankings: Penei Sewell leads strong offensive tackle group

8. Jackson Carman, Clemson
6-foot-5, 335 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Second round

The past two seasons Clemson’s Jackson Carman has been charged with protecting the blind side of Trevor Lawrence. He has done a solid job at this as he was named to the All-ACC second team in 2020, and the third team in 2019. Overall, in his career, Carman has started 27 games so experience should not be an issue for him.

What stands out with Carman is his combination of size, strength, and speed. Coming in at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds he is one of the bigger tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He also has impressive power to go with his size. He has an extremely hard initial punch and overall has the strength to hold up at the next level. In terms of mobility Carman moves very well for someone his size, and has the mobility to play right tackle in the NFL.

One area that concerns me with Carman is that he looks somewhat awkward in space. This lack of agility causes concerns as it gets him off balance at times and makes it hard for him to keep up with the faster edge pass rushers. These concerns could cause Carmen to move from his college position of left tackle to right tackle at the next level.

I currently grade Carman as a high second-round pick due to the fact he has the tools to be a starting right tackle in the NFL. I also think he could slide inside to guard if the team that picks him has a need at that position.