*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Clemson LT Jackson Carman Could Sneak into First Round
Updated Feb. 16, 2021By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Last week in the Hot Press, we detailed the wide variety in grades on the offensive tackle prospects around the NFL. One additional tackle who could have been included in that column was Clemson left tackle Jackson Carman. In speaking with sources at five teams, three of them thought Carman could be selected late in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and should go early in the second round if he makes it to Friday night of the draft.
“Carman is going to shoot up boards this spring due to his size, athletic ability, and versatility,” said one director of college scouting. “I would not be surprised if he went late [on] Day 1.”
Two other team sources disagreed about Carman going in the first round, noting they had him as a day-two pick, with one having him Round 2 and the other in Round 3. Character issues could influence that grade discrepancy as well.
“[Carman] is definitely a first-round talent, but the character isn’t good” said another director of college scouting.
The team sources who like Carman see him as an easy mover for a 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive lineman. They feel he has left tackle ability but there are some technical issues he needs to fix. Thanks to his excellent combination of size and athleticism, Carman has a real shot to go late in the first round to a playoff team that is looking for a true first-round talent.
