2017 NFL Draft: Could the Atlanta Falcons add another Clemson Tiger?

Could the Atlanta Falcons add another Clemson Tiger in the 2017 NFL Draft to their defensive line?

The Atlanta Falcons selected outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. out of Clemson University with the eighth overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. In the fifth round of that same draft, Atlanta traded up to select Grady Jarrett, also from Clemson. With the Tigers winning the College Football Playoff National Championship and being stacked with talent for the draft, maybe the Falcons should look their way again in this years’ draft.

Nose tackle Carlos Watkins redshirted early in his college career due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident, but he has since recovered and seems to be healthy. He played sparingly with the team in 2015, but Clemson’s defensive Line was full of depth and too crowded for him to stand out as a star.

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Nonetheless, he still made his presence felt. Standing at 6’4 and weighing in at 310 pounds, he has good size for a defensive tackle. According to his 37 stops, 23 QB hurries, and 12 sacks in 2016, it seems as if he’s a well rounded tackle as well. His performance in 2016 earned him First Team All-ACC and Second Team All-American honors.

Here are some NFL comparisons from various sources:

NFL.com: Sylvester Williams, Tennessee Titans.
Optimum Scouting: Sylvester Williams, Tennessee Titans.
Ian Wharton, Bleacher Report (via his 2017 NFL Draft Guide): Corey Peters, DT Arizona Cardinals.

While not flashy names, it’s good to see contributing defensive line players with strong fundamentals. Watkins could serve as a key part of the defensive tackle rotation, bringing athleticism and youth off of the bench.

Looking past the comparisons, it’s important to remember the Falcons are all about Brotherhood. Adding Watkins, who is already familiar with some of the players on the defensive line, could add chemistry that helps to continue to develop a young defensive core.

Next: 2017 NFL Schedule: League did Atlanta Falcons no Favors in Divisional Scheduling

Draft analysts have Watkins going anywhere from the third to the fifth round, meaning he could be a nice steal late in the draft. With the uncertainty of Ra’shede Hageman and some injury doubts over Dontari Poe, adding quality depth on the defensive line in deep draft seems like a no-brainer.