Carolina Panthers General Manager David Gettleman made it abundantly clear at his pre-draft press conference that despite a perceived need at the tackle position he would not reach for one when the Panthers go on the clock with the 25th pick this Thursday. “It’s a best player available for us,” Gettleman said via Black and Blue Review’s Bill Voth’s transcription of the event.
But, Gettleman didn’t rule out the position, saying the team would just “see what’s there.” One player likely to be there when Carolina picks is former Pittsburgh tackle, T.J. Clemmings.
Clemmings switched from defensive end to offensive tackle mid way through his collegiate career, and after just two years of playing right tackle, Clemmings rocketed up draft board due to his quick feet and athleticism. But because of his lack of experience, Clemmings is one of the tougher prospects to place in the 2015 draft, with a ceiling perceived to be as high as his floor is low.
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From a physical standpoint, Clemmings may as well have been made in a laboratory. He stands 6’5″ and weighs 309 pounds, owns 35 1/8 inch long arms and moves like a tight end. From a technical perspective, lack of experience is evident, but so is the talent and their are no concerns about his work ethic holding back further development as he becomes more comfortable on the offensive side of the ball.
Most experts agree that Clemmings will need to start his rookie season on the right side, with some even suggesting a move inside to guard until he can improve his footwork. I don’t think this should count against him as it has become commonplace for even top left tackle prospects to at least open their rookie seasons at another position. Former top ten picks like Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson all started their first game at a position other than left tackle.
The Carolina Panthers are in an ideal position to give Clemmings time to develop with Oher likely to get every chance to succeed on the left side in 2015, but limited financial investment beyond this season. In his press conference, Gettleman stressed the need for consistency at a left tackle position, and no doubt hopes that Oher can be a long term answer, but drafting Clemmings could hedge that bet and give the Panthers a solid plan B going forward.
Sep 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman T.J. Clemmings (68) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Akron Zips defensive lineman Richard Dorvilus (10) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Akron won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina’s other positions of need: receiver, cornerback, pass rusher, running back, all have considerable depth with quality player likely to be available on the drafts second and third day. The same cannot be said for the left tackle position where Gettleman himself only sees 4-5 true blind side protectors, and it’s not unreasonable to expect most of those prospects off the board by the time Carolina’s second round pick comes around.
Clemmings has been projected as high as the Bengals at No. 21, but is most often linked to the Broncos at No 28, so the value for the Panthers seems about right. Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says experts are still high on Clemmings, with his former high school coach praising the Pitt prospect for “tenacity you can’t teach.” Perhaps it was that tenacity that helped Clemmings play through an injury he didn’t know he had.
DiPaola mentions that Clemmings was surprised to find that a recent medical report revealed a stress fracture in his foot. Clemmings never missed a start at Pittsburgh and hasn’t seemed hindered throughout a pre draft process that includes the Senior Bowl,scouting combine, Pitt’s pro day and individual workouts with multiple teams. (DiPaola reports 17 visits, but doesn’t specify how many included an individual work out.)
Outside of Brandon Scherff, and perhaps La’el Collins, no offensive line prospect in this draft class is a finished product and Clemmings has as high a ceiling as anyone. The desire is there, as he’s made great strides in a short time and the Panthers have been rewarded for taking prospects with holes in fundamental parts of their games before.
Cam Newton faced questions about his accuracy and pocket presence, Kelvin Benjamin was an unpolished route runner. Both are now young stars for an ascending offense. If the Panthers once again trust in their coaching staff to sand off the rough edges of a talented player they could find themselves with another crucial cog to advancing beyond the second round of the playoffs.