Diamond in the Rough: Quandon Christian, LB, Clemson
By Charlie Campbell, @draftcampbell
Every year in the NFL Draft, there are talented players who slip through the cracks. Players go undrafted for a variety of reasons like being too undersized, a lack of speed, injuries, a lack of production in college or playing at lower level of competition. Some players end up not getting invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and end up falling to the late rounds or going undrafted all together.
The history of the NFL features some great players who went undrafted, including Hall of Famers like quarterback Warren Moon. In recent years, there have been other superstars who were undrafted free agents, including Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, London Fletcher, Antonio Gates, Arian Foster, Brian Waters and Priest Holmes. Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith became the Super Bowl MVP after not getting invited to the Combine and being a seventh-round pick.
With so much talent falling through the cracks, WalterFootball.com decided to start a new series to showcase some of the under-the-radar talents in the 2014 draft class. These players could be late-round picks or undrafted free agents who end up becoming steals for their NFL teams.
This edition features Clemson linebacker Quandon Christian. Christian (6-2, 234) is a tall, fast, rangy linebacker who looks like a good fit as a pass-defender in the NFL. As a senior, he was a co-captain and recorded 49 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, one sack, three passes broken up and one forced fumble. He had 40 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, two passes broken up and an interception in 2012. Christian could be a late-round pick who also turns into a good contributor on special teams.
What are some of the teams that have shown interest in you thus far?
“I heard that the Redskins are interested in me in the seventh round. I’ve talked to the Rams, I took a test for the Packers, and I did a sheet for Atlanta.”
Pass coverage is a strength of yours, and that is a critical for any linebacker to stay on the field in the NFL. How did your college career prepare you for the NFL passing game?
“It definitely is. I played a rover position in college, which allowed me to do more pass coverage than support in the run. I supported the run on the edge of the defense. I was going against guys that were running 4.3s and 4.4s and 4.5s and I think that will help me for going against the speed of the next level.”
You started at Sam linebacker, but moved around a lot. I imagine you cross-trained at other positions.
“I played so many positions. Some games I played Mike, Will, nickel and dime position with the DBs. I blitzed and dropped into coverage. I also played some strong safety. I got some good work at safety too, wherever they want me to play I’ll play.”
I’m sure special teams will be key for you at the next level as well.
“I played on punt team, punt return and kickoff. I love special teams; it’s awesome. To be the first team out there and be the first to run down there and hit somebody. I was excited to play special teams. It was awesome.”
How is your pre-draft training going, and tell us about your pro day.
“It is going well. I’m back at Clemson training with some of our guys like Tajh Boyd, Hot Rod (Roderick McDowell), Martavius Bryant, Bashaud Breeland and Sammy Watkins. It’s going well.”
“I think the pro day went great. I weighed in at 234. 6-2 and half, I ran a 4.6. I think it went well. I looked fluid in all the drills. I was pretty fluid in the DB drills and I think it went great for me.”
Some of your teammates have been high-profile draft prospects like Sammy [Watkins] and Tajh [Boyd]. What kind of teammates were they in college?
“Well, Sammy is a great guy. He’s very humble. He’s very blessed with his athleticism, speed and strength. He was a great guy in college. Whatever team gets him is getting a great guy as well.
“Tajh, man, he is a winner. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. I think he’s at least top three – if not the best. He is a great guy, very humble like Sammy. Tajh goes out his way to make people’s day on and off the football field. He has a great attitude. He’s so tough to tackle and slips away to make a big play. He’s a real good player and was real good player for Clemson.”
You already graduated with a degree in sociology. What are your plans for after football?
“My degree had an emphasis in criminal justice so I’ll probably go into a career of law enforcement. Probably highway patrol, undercover cop or may go into real estate.”
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