NFL Draft 2015: Vikings Visit With Pitt OT T.J. Clemmings

Discussion about the Vikings’ potential first round draft plans has tended to center on cornerbacks, linebackers and wide receivers, but at least one first round offensive tackle has also caught the team’s eye as they go through the scouting process.

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In his draft diary for USA Today, Pitt offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings revealed that he has been worked out by a number of teams including the Vikings.

Clemmings gives no specific details about his meeting with the Vikes but he does speak in general about how his work outs have gone:

"All of it has been good. Getting to meet with some of these offensive line coaches, hoping to play for one of them one day, letting them know who you are. That’s really my thing: just being myself and relaxing and talking a little bit of football. I haven’t had a bad one."

Clemmings says all the teams visiting have looked at him as a tackle. The 6-5, 309 pound converted defensive end hasn’t been playing tackle for very long and is considered a raw talent with big upside.

NFL.com sees similarities between Clemmings and Texans tackle Duane Brown:

"Like Duane Brown, Clemmings played high school basketball and was a late switch to the offensive tackle position in college. There are holes in his protection technique and he must learn to trust his feet. Clemmings will continue to learn the position and improve. He has the physical traits to become a Pro Bowl left tackle if he can handle the move to that side. Confidence could become an issue with his pass protection unless he develops selective amnesia when beaten."

CBS.com compares him to Sebastian Vollmer:

"Like Vollmer (a native of Germany with little football experience prior to college), Clemmings is rough around the edges but boasts undeniable upside. With a similar committment towards improvement as Vollmer has shown with the Patriots, Clemmings could emerge as a standout right tackle in the NFL or perhaps even flip to the all-important left tackle position after acclimating to the NFL’s speed."

The left tackle spot has become a subject of much discussion after Matt Kalil’s struggles but I have to believe the plan is to give Kalil at least one more year to get it together. Sure, you could draft Clemmings and bring him along slowly, figuring to slide him in at either left or right tackle in 2016, but does it make sense to use the #11 overall on a project when there are players out there, especially on defense, who can come in right away and help you?

Next: Taylor Mays Likely to Take On Rover Role for Mike Zimmer

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