5 possible replacements for Riley Reiff in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Jackson Carman – Clemson
One only has to look at Jackson Carman’s tape going up against stud pass-rusher Chase Young to see what skills he can bring to the NFL. He more than held his own against one of the best defensive ends to enter the league in a generation and this will stand him in good stead as he looks to make an even bigger impression in 2020.
Carman is a dominant force on the edge that did a tremendous job of protecting projected No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence’s blindside last season. His size is jaw-dropping and this is matched by ruthless aggression that makes him a nightmare for opposing defensive linemen to get around.
The tackle has an exceptional length that can keep even the speediest edge rushers at bay for the most part. Carman is only going to get better with another year of college football experience under his belt and if this can come with another National Championship with the Tigers, then it could see the lineman propel himself into the first round.
Carman will need to work on his recovery against more physically imposing players at the next level. Slotting him in at right tackle and moving Brian O’Neill over to the left would probably be the smartest way to go in this scenario for the Vikings. But this might also depend on what Minnesota’s plan is for rookie Ezra Cleveland during the early stages of his development.