Vikings Draft 2020: Playoff prospects to watch – Clemson

Offensive Prospects

Much like the Buckeyes, Clemson is led by a star quarterback who is ineligible for the 2020 NFL Draft. Trevor Lawrence has been considered the top quarterback for the 2021 class ever since he stepped on campus at Clemson. We will talk more about him next year. For now though, let’s look at the players who are indeed eligible for April’s draft.

TIgers running back Travis Etienne is arguably the best at his position in the draft class. If you want speed and explosion, he is the guy to grab. There is a real chance he’s taken in the first round in 2020, so it’s hard to believe the Vikings would target him.

Luckily for Minnesota, Clemson is loaded at wide receiver. Their prized talent, Tee Higgins, may be available when the Vikings are on the clock in the first round next year.

Higgins puts on a show every weekend and he would do serious damage next to Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. His strong hands and enormous catch radius are his best traits and he can make almost any pass a catchable one.

Another sleeper to watch is Amari Rodgers. Rodgers is not a guarantee to declare for the 2020 draft, but he could be a steal in the later rounds if he does decide to leave school. His production has been limited, but he makes an impact on the game. This season, Rodgers has averaged 14.1 yards per catch.

Clemson guard John Simpson recently accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl in January. Simpson will be an interesting watch between now and the draft. The Vikings need a replacement for Pat Elflein and Simpson has a chance to set himself apart. If he handles business against the best of the best, the Vikings could have some interest in taking him in the 2020 draft.