Overview

Position: EDGE

College: Clemson

Class: Junior (RS)

Age: 21

Measurables

Height: 6’4 3/8”

Weight: 264 lbs.

Arm length: 34 1/8”

Hand size: 10 1/2″

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: DNP

Vertical jump: DNP

Broad jump: DNP

Bench press: 25 reps

3-cone drill: 7.26 sec.

Short shuttle: 4.40 sec.

Strengths

Prototypical size with great length. Relentless motor. Great overall technique. Powerful hands and upper body. Has a rip move to get to the quarterback. Takes advantage of second chances thanks to instincts and reaction time. Keeps his eyes in the backfield. Timing the snap helps make up for lack of explosiveness. Uses length to keep blockers off his frame. Creates pressure on stunts. Sets the edge against the run. Sheds blockers and makes the play. Too strong for running backs. Saw snaps as a stand-up pass rusher. Championship experience. Very productive player with 38.0 tackles for loss and 21.0 sacks over the past two years.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite athleticism and explosiveness. Relentlessness and technique might not play as well against NFL athletes. Doesn’t have a second gear like others at the position do. Often benefitted from one-on-one situations on Clemson’s loaded defensive line.

NFL comparison

Za’Darius Smith – This isn’t a perfect comparison because Smith is a 3-4 outside linebacker and Clelin Ferrell is more of a 4-3 defensive end in my opinion, but both guys win on the edge with strength, technique, and a high-end motor to make up for athletic limitations.

Conclusion

Overall, Clelin Ferrell will probably never become a yearly threat for double-digit sacks, but he can still make a huge impact as a do-it-all edge defender that won’t have to leave the field. While I don’t think he’s a top-ten prospect, Ferrell should be the third Clemson defensive lineman to come off the board on Day 1.

2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: EDGE Clelin Ferrell