While the ACC often gets a bad rap as a weak conference, Clemson and Florida State appear to be two of the the premiere teams in the country this season.
Clemson at Florida State NFL Draft Watch Notes
Florida State’s defense is littered with NFL talent, despite an injury to star rush linebacker Brandon Jenkins. Throughout the front seven and secondary, the Seminoles have players that will be playing on Sundays before long.
Clemson will provide FSU's toughest task to date. Running back Andre Ellington, and receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins all have the ability to score each time they touch the football. Triggerman Tahj Boyd will be taked with distributed the football to his playmakers to keep the Seminoles' defense off balance.
After the jump, check out the prospects to watch, a key matchup and the question of the night.
Clemson 2013 NFL Draft Propsects
Offense - No. 6 - DeAndre Hopkins, WR - 6’1”, 200 (Junior), No. 23 Andre Ellington, RB - 5’9”, 192 (Senior), No. 55 - Dalton Freeman, C - 6’4”, 286 (Senior), No. 63 - Brandon Thomas, T - 6’3”, 305 (RS Junior)
Defense - No. 97 - Malliciah Goodman, DE - 6’4”, 280 (Senior), No. 34 - Quandon Christian, LB - 6’2”, 224 (Junior) No. 5 Jonathan Meeks, S - 6’1”, 210 (Senior)
Florida State Seminoles 2013 NFL Draft prospects:
Offense: No. 3 - EJ Manuel, QB - 6'5, 240 pounds (Senior), No. 84 - Rodney Smith, WR - 6'6, 219 pounds (Senior)
Defense: No. 95 - Bjoern Werner, DE - 6'5, 255 pounds (Junior), No. 91 - Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, DE - 6'5, 265 pounds (Senior), No. 93 - Everett Dawkins, DT - 6'3, 304 pounds (Senior), No. 11 - Vince Williams, MLB - 6'1, 250 pounds (Senior), No. 27 - Xavier Rhodes, CB - 6'2, 217 pounds (Junior), No. 20 - Lamarcus Joyner, DB - 5'8, 195 pounds (Junior)
Key Matchup
Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes vs. Clemson’s Sammy Watkins or DeAndre Hopkins
Xavier Rhodes’ assignment for Saturday night’s game is not set in stone, but he will likely be dealing with Sammy Watkins or DeAndre Hopkins on nearly every play. Rhodes is a lock down corner and maybe the best in this draft class. Both Hopkins and Watkins provide a tremendous test for him, as both are 6’1. 200 pounds and run like the wind.
Question of the Night
Can E.J. Manuel put together 60 consistent minutes of football and lead his team to a win in a big game?
E.J. Manuel has plenty of physical ability, but inconsistency has plagued him throughout his career at Florida State. His draft stock has stayed stable due to his upside, but Manuel needs to start winning big games like this one to catch the eyes of scouts. Florida State’s defense should be able to hold up their end of the bargain. Can Manuel hold up his end?
See More:
