Pro Football Draft Network | 2012 Pro Football Draft Analysis

PFDN evaluates the performance of the more promising senior and eligible underclassmen prospects for the next draft:

RB Andre Ellington, Clemson, Redshirt Junior: The speedy Ellington had a fine game (20 carries for 125 yards (6.2 per), 1 touchdown and 2 receptions for -5 yards) against the Hokies.  Ellington is at his best running to the outside.  He demonstrated this in the 3^rd quarter on a 29-yard touchdown run.  The play was well blocked, but Ellington was gone down the sideline once he turned the corner.  He also had an impressive 32-yard run earlier in the game.  Ellington burst up the middle through a big hole and then jump cut to the outside.  However, Ellington plays to his size (5’ 10” and 190 lbs) and is not built to handle many carries in the NFL.  His legs are lean for a running back and he does not have a low center of gravity.  He can return kickoffs, but is unproven in the punt return department.  It would not be surprising if Ellington decided to enter the 2012 NFL Draft.  Football is a young man’s game and that is especially true for running backs. 

TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson, Redshirt Junior: Allen made a significant impact in the game when he scored twice on his 2 receptions for 32 yards (16.0 per).  He also made an alert play and pounced on a fumble.  Allen is not a bulldozer of a blocker, but he made several effective blocks to help the Tigers’ running game.  Allen opened the scoring in the 1^st quarter when he took advantage of a blown coverage and found himself open down the sideline.  He completed the 24-yard touchdown by eluding one tackler and then powering his way into the end zone.  His production in the receiving department could really jump in the NFL when he has consistent quarterback play.  Allen has to decide whether to enter this April’s draft.  He is athletic and has enough size and strength to hold-up in run blocking.

DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson, Senior: Sometimes statistics can be misleading.  Thompson posted only 2 tackles with a tackle for a loss.  However, he helped shut down Virginia Tech’s running game.  Thompson played low and was able to disrupt a number of running plays with penetration.  He showed effort in chasing running backs to the outside.  Thompson was assignment sound and did a fine job of maintaining his gap.

DE Andre Branch, Clemson, Senior: Branch did not repeat his monster game (11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks) that he enjoyed earlier in the season against Virginia Tech.  Nevertheless, he was active with 3 tackles, a fumble recovery and some effective pass rush efforts.  Branch played with a lot of energy and helped swarm to the football and stop David Wilson.  Branch displayed quickness on his outside pass rush and a good stiff-arm to keep the offensive tackle off of him.  He was penalized for a foolish roughing the quarterback penalty.  Branch was penalized once for undisciplined play, but he was very fundamentally sound defending the run all game. 

RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech, Junior: Wilson’s outstanding season came to a screeching halt (11 carries for 32 yards (2.9 per) and 3 receptions for 14 yards (4.7 per)) against a Clemson defense that was determined to keep him in check.  Wilson has a lot of speed, but found little running room.  Clemson’s defense tackled very well and Wilson was brought down repeatedly after short gains.  His best offensive opportunity occurred early in the 2^nd quarter when he almost caught a pass over the middle.  The jarring hit dislodged the football and the pass was ruled incomplete.  Wilson likes to use his speed to get outside.  Clemson’s speed, pursuit and gang tackling made Wilson ineffective.  Every running back eventually runs into a defense that does a number on him.  David Wilson is an explosive running back who may very well enter the 2012 NFL Draft after a big 2011 season.

CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech, Junior: The small, but talented junior cornerback/punt returner was forced from the game in the 2^nd quarter with a stinger.  Hosley had 3 tackles prior to leaving and Virginia Tech badly missed his coverage skills the rest of the game. 

G Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech, Senior: Brooks was pushed around too much against Clemson.  His squat build did not result in winning leverage battles in this game.  Brooks was penalized once for holding.  He also looked slow coming out of his stance and lacked pop when contact was made. 

OT Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, Senior: DeChristopher is a tough run blocker, but he did was unable to drive-block effectively against Clemson.  His lack of a naturally powerful lower body showed.   DeChristopher also had some trouble in pass protection and overall it was not one of his best games.  He is an average athlete and was caught reaching in pass protection several times.  The gritty Virginia Tech offensive lineman may have to play inside at the next level.

S Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech, Senior: Whitley led the Hokies in tackles with 12 and also forced a fumble.  He played physically and with solid tackling technique.  Whitley also timed a couple of blitzes well and put some pressure on the quarterback.  Whitley was unable to make any big plays, but was around the football a lot in run support.  Whitley made a couple of poor reads in pass coverage and was out of position.  Whitley is small for an NFL safety and lacks great speed.