One curveball that the Atlanta Falcons could throw into the top of the draft would be taking Pittsburgh offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings at No. 8 overall. The Falcons could reap the rewards of the massive, ridiculously strong offensive lineman at any spot on their offensive line.However, because Clemmings is so inexperienced and a bit of a giant lump of molding clay, the Falcons could turn him into an ideal fit for their left guard hole. Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan loves athletic linemen like Clemmings and could use him effectively in the zone scheme.T.J. ClemmingsOffensive LinemanUniversity of PittsburghCombine/Pro Day MeasurementsHeight:6'4 "Weight:309lbsArm Length:35 "Hand Measurement:10 "40-yard dash:5.14sec.10-yard split:1.80sec.20-yard shuttle:4.54sec.3-cone Drill:7.68sec.Bench Reps:22repsVertical Jump:32.5"Broad Jump:9'3"Stats (From CFB Stats)2014:13 Games Started at right tackle2013: 13 Games Started at right tackle2012: 8Games Played, 20 Tackles, 1.0 Tackle for Loss, 3 QB Hurries2011:Redshirted2010: 6Games Played, 3 Tackles, 1.0 Tackle for LossScouting ReportStrengthsWhen it comes to potential, no offensive lineman in the draft has more than Clemmings because of his strong punch, physical size and ideal athleticism for either tackle or guard in the NFL. He's a true mauler with a nasty attitude and can set an immovable base in either pass protection or the run game.His long-armed frame allows him to be an effective pass-blocker, but he could be utilized best should he move inside. As a run-blocker, there are few who can get to the second level as well as he does. He sets the edge well and is a great screen and pull-blocker when used there.WeaknessesAs a pass protector, Clemmings doesn't have that killer instinct just yet due to his limited experience at the position. At times he still looks like he's feeling out the pass-rusher when the rusher knows exactly what moves would beat him. At times, he fails to keep his pad level low to maintain leverage.He doesn't move backward in his kick step quickly enough to play tackle in the NFL early on in his career. If he did, he'd get destroyed by the quicker, more instinctual pass-rushers. His technique at times is atrocious, but working with a good teacher could help him tremendously.How does he fit theComrade Filter'Clemmings was never arrested nor was he suspended and is a two-year starter for the Panthers. He's a hard worker off the field and has shown leadership by becoming one of the team captains at Pittsburgh during his senior season.He also showed that he was a team player above all. In between his redshirt sophomore and his redshirt junior seasons, Pittsburgh's coaching staff asked him to switch to offense to help the team out. It would up being a win-win, as he became an excellent player for them.OverviewClemmings has an ideal fit for either guard or tackle in the NFL. Depending on who takes him, he could start at any one of four positions on the offensive line early in his career and be molded into a Pro Bowl player at that particular position.Ideally, his best fit is left guard. He's quicker moving to his left despite playing on the right side his whole career and would be best suited to move inside so that he doesn't have to worry about getting beat on the edge. He's a true top-10 talent who could be an All-Pro with the proper coaching.How he would fit into the Falcons' plansShould the Falcons take Clemmings at No. 8 overall, he'd be asked to be an instant starter at left guard in between the talented Jake Matthews and Joe Hawley. The combination of Matthews, Hawley and Clemmings on the left side of the line would be angry and nasty in the run game.In the passing game, Clemmings would take a bit of a step back early on. However, his ability to succeed long-term as a pass-blocker will depend on how well he takes to coaching. There could be many Pro Bowls and All-Pro appearances in his future, though.All stats used are fromPro Football Focus' Premium Stats,ESPN.com,CFBStatsorNFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy ofNFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy ofSpotrac.Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, theNFLand the NFL draft.He's also a Draft Analyst forPro Football Spot.Follow @ScottCarasik
Click here to read full news..
