It is not news the Las Vegas Raiders are infatuated with Clemson prospects. In the last two drafts, they have selected five players from Dabo Swinney’s squad. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Clemson will be putting out two of the top players at their respective positions in Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne but does not have its usual slate of contributors. Here are some players the Silver and Black could select if they choose to go to the Death Valley well once again.
The Raiders may want to take a look at these three Tigers
Cornell Powell, wide receiver
While wide receiver is not a huge need for the Raiders, Clemson does not have many defensive players worthy of selection in this year’s draft. However, Cornell Powell is a very intriguing prospect. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, The wideout possesses the kind of route-running prowess Jon Gruden loves. This, along with his solid speed and body control create an intriguing combination. Powell also just finished his most productive season with 53 catches, 882 yards, and seven scores, so he may be starting to tap into his potential.
Cornell Powell cooking at the @seniorbowl 👀👀
🎥 @Rivals
(full one-on-ones: https://t.co/YUI2jcS6V4) pic.twitter.com/GpxpjuTsDY
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) January 27, 2021
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Amari Rodgers, wide receiver
Rodgers developed into a security blanket for Lawrence back at Clemson. In his final season, he had 77 catches for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns. This productive season was largely due to his speed and ability to create in the open field. While he may not see much playing time immediately for the Raiders, Rodgers would provide speed and an experienced body to round out the wide receiver room. He should also be able to help on special teams as a return man.
https://twitter.com/_SteveFrederick/status/1354539031401541633?s=20
Jackson Carman
Jackson Carman, a left tackle in Death Valley, will likely have to kick inside to guard in the NFL. This is not a knock on the 2020 Second-Team All-ACC, as he is a powerful blocker with strong hands and moves quite well for someone who is 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds. If Las Vegas moves on from either Richie Incognito or Gabe Jackson, pairing the Ohio native with former running mate John Simpson could be a wise move. Carman has the tools to develop into an NFL starter and is likely to be someone offensive line coach Tom Cable pounds the table for.
Clemson LT Jackson Carmen showing the lateral agility and good hand strikes to keep Chase Young at bay #NFLDraft #Clemson pic.twitter.com/MIwxlegIbA
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) July 30, 2020
In 2021’s draft, the Raiders are not likely to fill a huge need with any Clemson players. Despite this, you should never rule out Gruden and Mayock finding a way to select one. The Tigers are a winning program and Las Vegas strives to add as many winners as they can.
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