National Football League

Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:30 p.m. ET

Fansided, Brady Lunt/FanSided via NFL Mocks

Is Carlos Watkins one of the top senior defensive tackle prospects in the class? His productivity suggests so, but will his talent translate to the NFL?

Clemson finished 2016 with an incredible win over top-seeded Alabama, ending an incredible run that was historic in proportion. Few could have predicted the Tigers’ performance against the best defense in the country and even fewer could have predicted just how this game would end.

The successful season put a number of NFL prospects on display, in the biggest venue in college football. Clemson has a number of talented players who will be declaring for the draft, one of which is defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. Totaling six tackles in the championship game, Watkins was a stout presence that aided the Tigers’ championship run. But will his talents translate to the NFL level?

Measurables

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 312 pounds

Hands: 10 3/8 inches

Arms: 33 ½ inches

Wingspan: 81 7/8 inches

Strengths

Carlos Watkins is an athletic, interior presence with great lateral movement skills for a man his size. His agility consistently presents problems for interior offensive line. Demonstrates good timing, exploding into first step quickly and aggressively. Has impressive burst to lock on to running backs and find himself in position to make a play.

Will make a living in the NFL as an inside pass rusher, but does a nice job reading the quarterback and putting himself in position to bat the ball down. Showed some versatility, playing both the 3-techinique and nose tackle. Has positive awareness and diagnosis the play well. Has solid potential as a rotational player. Had a very productive Senior year totaling 50 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four pass deflections.

Against Ohio State in the CFB playoffs, Watkins tallied three tackles and two sacks to help push Clemson to the National Championship.

Weaknesses

Despite solid athleticism, Watkins is a top-heavy player that lacks the strength in his lower body to consistently anchor the middle of a NFL defensive line. Needs to improve pad-level consistency, as guards seemed to always gain better leverage and render him useless. Isn’t a quick-twitch, explosive athlete. Watkins will make plays quickly, but this often falls on his lack of endurance. Lacks the endurance to stay in the play, often getting fatigued quickly thus negatively effecting his play. While considered a high-effort player, the effort seems to be inconsistent and spotty.

Final Thoughts

Watkins was an incredibly productive member of a sound defense, but his lack of anchor strength makes it difficult to place him at the next level. Lacks any definitive strengths that would appear to translate well, but his athleticism should be a nice place to start development. His frame limits his effectiveness as an every-down player, likely limiting him to rotational duty so he can stay fresh. The talent and productivity are there for Watkins, but he will need time to acclimate to the speed and strength of the NFL. He is likely a Day 3 pick, but could see playing time early if he can improve his technique.