2015 NFL Draft Profile: OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh

T.J. Clemmings is another athletically gifted offensive tackle in the 2015 draft class. He was a high school basketball player, and you can see traces of that in his skill set as an offensive tackle. He was originally a defensive end, at Pittsburgh but the coaching staff saw him as an offensive tackle. In 2013 he started every game at right tackle. After a successful 2014, he is a borderline first round prospect.

The biggest fear I have for Clemmings is that the game may take him by surprise at the next level. Being a left tackle in the National Football League is a little like being a matador. You get these incredibly strong and quick pass rushers trying to get through you, and it all happens really fast. Clemmings’s  lack of experience is the biggest question mark hanging over him.

More from GMEN HQ

• Workout clip of Evan Neal training with former All-Pro OT has Giants fans excited
• NFL Draft Schedule of Events: How to Navigate Draft Weekend
• 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023
• This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam
• When is the NFL Draft?

There is no questioning his physical abilities or his pure athletic talent. Clemmings has long arms, quick feet that don’t stop and a really impressive kick slide that allows him to deal with explosiveness off the edge.

He has the talent, he has the look, now we just need to see if he can bring it at the next level.

Positives:

• Big body 6′ 6″ 315 lbs.
• Long arms
• Great lower body strength
• Quick feet
• Moves with burst

Concerns:

• Only two seasons as a full time starter as an offensive tackle
• Will the talent show up in the NFL?

Overall I would not select Clemmings in the first round. He has the talent and the physical tool set to make me look foolish. I just worry about his lack of experience. It reminds me of Michael Oher, without the sobering story they made a book and movie about.

Oher had the talent but the game did not come naturally to him. He thought too much. His nervousness factored into many false starts. He would stop his feet as if there was a disconnect from his lower body and his upper body. Some positions require more practice and experience than others. I worry that Clemmings will be like Oher.

In the second round, Clemmings is a much safer investment. He has a very high ceiling. If he is good as he can be in the NFL he could be special. If Clemmings falls out of the first round (he probably won’t) the New York Giants should take a look at him in Round 2.

Next: New York Giants Should Pursue Jerry Hughes via Free Agency