Overrated Or Solid Prospect?

March 2nd, 2019

Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell.

Joe doesn’t know what to make of this Clelin Ferrell.

Most defensive linemen from Clemson are just soft. You know, Gaines Adams and guitar-strumming Da’Quan Bowers.

Then there was the line that Ferrell played on. Top NFL prospects up down the line. So on a line with so many studs, you figure these guys got a whole lot of single-blocking because if an offensive line doubled one of those guys, it meant a monster of a defensive lineman went uncovered. That’s just suicide.

So Joe asked Ferrell today at the Indiana Convention Center in chilly downtown Indianapolis if he was more a product of a talented defensive line where he didn’t have to worry much about getting ganged up on. Ferrell told Joe that yes, he’s seen his fair share of double- and triple-teams and chip blocks from running backs.

“I’ve experienced almost every different blocking scheme,” Ferrell said. “Double-team, I’ve been triple-teamed at times. It is really just different at every single level.

“My first couple of seasons I experienced chip blocks from tight ends. This past season, it felt like an entire offensive game plan was stopping [Clemson’s] entire front. [Teams] were keeping everybody in and using a lot of multiple protections and a lot of heavy personnel in the backfield.”

So in a roundabout way, Ferrell believes he faced every type of blocking known in football. What he didn’t say was how he fared against these type of blocking schemes.

Again, Joe is spooked by Clemson defensive ends. But the cool story about Ferrell is that he comes from a military family. His dad served in Vietnam. His mother served in Iraq.

The last monster NFL defensive end Joe remembers who had a dad in the service was Michael Strahan.

55 Responses to “Overrated Or Solid Prospect?”

  1. geno711 Says:

    Not at 5!

  2. geno711 Says:

    DE/DT Kyle Moore, Tampa Bay — Father served in the Army for 22 years

    DT Roy Miller, Tampa Bay — Father served in the Army

    General Manager Mark Dominik, Tampa Bay — Father, Glenn was in the Navy

  3. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    I agree not at 5, but watching that video he kind of reminds me of JPP. I just think you can get him or an equally good player later. Assuming Licht makes the right picks.

  4. HowToSpellRhonde Says:

    Dee Ford played at Auburn, Joe, not sure if you’re implying he played at Clemson or not.

  5. macabee Says:

    This will make Joes happy! lol

    @AdamSchefter
    22m22 minutes ago
    More
    Chiefs are placing their franchise tag on LB Dee Ford today and plan to play with him this season, but with the change to a 4-3 defensive scheme, they will listen to trade offers for their franchised player, per league sources.

  6. The Fighting Schianoes Says:

    Images of Cheese Burger Bowers haunt me to this day.

  7. The Fighting Schianoes Says:

    Geno,

    So what’s your point?

  8. Wausa Says:

    The Bucs picked a Clemson defensive lineman (Gaines Adams 12 years ago).
    He was a bust so the Bucs should never draft another player from Clemson again even if they are the most talented college team in America.

    The Bucs drafted an Alabama defensive lineman (Keith McCants) in the first round 29 years ago.
    He was a bust too, so the Bucs better stay clear of Alabama players to be safe.

  9. Conte Piscatelli Says:

    Don’t forget Bowers, he was another Clemson defensive end bust for the Bucs

  10. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    He looks soft to me.

    Also, these guys are not going to say anything that will hurt their draft status. The combine is mostly a waste of time.

  11. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    The Fighting Schianoes Says
    “Geno, So what’s your point?”

    Did you even read Joe’s comments?

  12. geno711 Says:

    The Fighting Schianoes Says:
    March 2nd, 2019 at 5:23 pm
    Geno,
    So what’s your point?

    I had no huge points.
    But
    1. I think Ferrell would be high at number 5. If Joe’s premise was that he really thinks that our Bucs should trade down and get Ferrell at 11-15 then that is what the article should suggest.

    2. There was an insinuation from Joe about the great Michael Strahan and maybe that a DE who had a father in the service might make him a better bet. I just pointed out that we had examples of Buc’s who had their fathers in the service as a point of reference for Buc’s fans.

    Nothing earth shattering in either of my comments.

    Really your Bowerts comment adds so much more.

  13. Wausa Says:

    The Ole Miss receiver looks like the next Megatron
    Looking more and more like one of Bosa, Allen or Williams will be available at pick number 5

  14. JP_09 Says:

    Welp, I know the D needs major attention and the O-Line needs help but damn I’d be excited to see DJ Metcalf paired up with Evans and Godwin

  15. Bob in Valrico Says:

    The Clemson program has proved to be one of the best in the country. Pretty convincing win over a perennial powerhouse in 2018. I wouldn’t be afraid to draft
    their players.

  16. stpetebucsfan Says:

    There is a flip side to playing on a really talented DL..it’s harder to get noticed. This guy was the ACC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. Not the DL of the year but the defender of the year.

    Now let all the whining begin about the ACC not being the SEC. I get that but feel it’s pretty overblown. The SEC is deeper in quality teams than the ACC but Clemson certainly didn’t wilt against the SEC powerhouse Alabama.

    Other than the top three I don’t have a giant preference and so if they’re gone and a QB or two become hot and we get some solid trade offers it’s time to trade down.

    Of course all it takes is two QB’s to hit the top five and we get one of the big three. Probably Joe’s favorite Kentuckian.

  17. Mitch Says:

    Pass.

  18. Mike Evans Goat Says:

    What Clemson DE has been a star in this league recently. Every DE out of that program Busts. And he’s not really that great of a pass rusher.
    Bowers
    Gaines
    Lawson
    Dodd
    Beasley (had one good year)

  19. JA Says:

    Joe, you got it! Damn good reasoning!

    Clemson only drafts “soft” defensive ends.
    We all know that Dabo Swinney scouts high schools throughout the nation to search and sign soft defensive ends to make him EARN his #1 ranking in the nation. Obviously, he wants to keep games interesting by teaching a “no pass rush mentality.”
    Therefore, all defensive ends, forever in time, from Clemson are and will forever to be–soft.
    Your logic is unassailable.

    Socrates and Plato would be proud.

  20. JimmyJack Says:

    There is something to be said about college programs that have specific positions struggle on the next level. It’s not a coincidence and it isn’t a coincidence when they have major success with other positions.

    It’s not just about the player it’s about completion level and style. You like Southern kids are generally faster and mountain kids are generally bigger…….It’s not a end all be all but the risk is real and it’s there.

  21. Not there yet Says:

    Lol we drafted a guy 12 years ago from Clemson so don’t draft anymore? Someone here posted that he looks soft? Some of you people are extremely delusional and will say Anything behind a keyboard. Geraldine looks soft and is soft but he’s still had a decent career. How someone who probably work at Walmart can call a guy with a national championship and about to go in the first round soft is beyond me

  22. Polkfan Says:

    Ed Oliver is it.

  23. SB Says:

    I keep telling you guys. Christian Wilkins was the main reason Three DL from Clemson will ALL go in the first round.
    Wilkins is the Sapp of that line except he is more versatile. Heck he even used to play TE and catches EndZone TDs
    Daniel Jeremiah has Wilkins as the 4th best draft prospect regardless of position.
    His words not mine.

  24. Waterboy Says:

    I have always been of the mindset that the Bucs should stay away from Clemson DE’s, except this year. Ferrell looks legit. He’s not going to blow you away but he’s a level headed guy who’s consistently productive and not a one year wonder. 5 might be a little higher than I’d want to take him but the difference between 5 and 10 is not much if you’re solidifying a position for years to come.

  25. JimmyJack Says:

    Not there yet it’s not just about the Bucs and not just about one guy we drafted. Scroll up and look at the post Mike Evans Goat made.

    This is not a single problem that happened once 12 years ago. It’s been a trend.

    If I remember right a few fans had the same fear when we drafted Gaines.

  26. Buccernutter Says:

    Just too many better players at #5. No way.

    Unless we could get him in the 2nd

  27. SB Says:

    Miles Boykin is the best WR in the draft.
    Screenshot that.

  28. tmaxcon Says:

    Clemson players are no where near as soft nor as fragile as the pansy arses Oklahoma produces

  29. Not there yet Says:

    Jimmyjack I get it but we’ve failed miserably drafting edge rushers. How many great ones have we drafted one? It’s more about players than the school they come from

  30. Kobe Faker Says:

    “Kobe Faker loves him some Miles Sanders

    3 down back who can catch

    Physicality. Made for the new NFL…the anti 199lber RoJo”

    Kobe Faker

  31. MadMax Says:

    Dont get me wrong…I love the kid…and he’s been playing right down the road from me. Could he blow up into a star DE? maybe.

    And NO I dont hold our bad luck with Clemson DE’s to a standard of measure with SAID DE’s. He IS coming from a national title winning team…SO GIVE HIM HIS DUE!!! Those others didnt. RECOGNIZE! Now is he what we’re looking for? if thats what BA and Bowles want and he’s in the late teens, Im all for it. Not top 10 IMO.

    I rate DE Sweat above him!

  32. Easy Says:

    Trade back and if he’s still available in the middle of the first round then draft him.

  33. Kalind Says:

    Please no. God no. Can anyone name a single Clemson DE that’s worked out? Adams, Bowers, even Beasley up in ATLA about to get cut. That guy in Buffalo is a nothing.

    Stay far far away.

  34. Anonymous Says:

    If your on the DL from Clemson we will pass!!!!!

  35. Buccaneerscotty Says:

    50 tackes for loss and 27 sacks I believe?

  36. The Coroner Says:

    Gaines Adams had congenital heart disease which sucked his stamina and eventually killed him
    The Coroner

  37. JimmyJack Says:

    Not there yet. I kinda half agree and half disagree with you.

    Like I said it’s not the end all be all ……..nothing is really but there is no denying that certain college programs are great at producing certain players.

    At the end of the day being a Clemson DE is just a slick knock on this player. It’s no different then if he had a knock on on of his mesurables, like size or speed………..If any of us can decipher why these Cleson DEs can’t produce on the next level and if Celin Ferrell will share the same fate then you really need to apply for a job with a pro scouting department. Otherwise all we can do is trust in the Bucs FO to get us an elite player with that #5 pick.

  38. StoutGospel Says:

    Hey @Joe….

    You better be all over this!

    As THIS GUY so OFTEN does in his posts, @Joe better listen up to this mindblower of an idea for a multitude of articles.

    @Joe’s obsession with Dee Ford just got, a bit more obsessive.

    Schefter….(take it to the bank) said tonight, that when KC placed the tag on Dee Ford today, that…they will “listen to ffers” for Ford, fearing he won’t fit their new scheme. According to Schefter (money).

    Obsess…over that @ Joe!!

    And you’re welcome for the CONTENT, over the next few days/weeks. Remember.

    Go Bucs!

  39. MadMax Says:

    Coroner…..Adams had an enlarged heart.

  40. StoutGospel Says:

    Just NOW saw @Macabee’s post at 5:20pm bout the same. Well mentioned sir.

    Some of us, were busy. No matter.

    Go Bucs! Get Quinnen!

  41. Buccaneerscotty Says:

    Devin White will be bucs pick at 5!

  42. StoutGospel Says:

    This cat…overrated and pointless. Good value at bottom of first, top of second round. Movin’ on.

    Go Bucs! Get Quinnen!

  43. MadMax Says:

    A QB will probably go first, then Q. Williams, then Bosa, then Allen….im pretty sure the draft falls that way…. i could be wrong though.

  44. JimmyJack Says:

    Stout we are trading up if Q is sitting there at 4. That’s the plan, right?

  45. JimmyJack Says:

    That would give us Q and V on the inside. Those to letter go together better the peanut butter and jelly. It may be our destiny.

  46. Bob in Valrico Says:

    The problem we have been having is just as much who is running the draft for l
    about the last 15 years . Can anybody name a good DE from any school in that time frame.

  47. 1sparkybuc Says:

    Draft the DL coach from Clemson.

  48. MadMax Says:

    @Jimmy, Q. wont be there @4, but man, if he is, yep trade up….Gruden will rob us blind though so we need to be careful. But still, we need a D. White, THE Devin White!

  49. Cobraboy Says:

    When it comes to edge rushers, success in college does NOT necessarily equate to success at the pro level.

    I am sceptical about Farrell.

  50. StoutGospel Says:

    @Jimmy, MadMax…

    If it were me, and the Bucs’ regime treated this draft like they should every draft, then if Q is there at #4, you as GM have to do what’s best for your franchise, you trade up one pick (whether it’s OAK still sitting there or not)….to land a DLine monster and difference-maker for the next 10 years+!! You have to operate like that, as a good steward. Moving back a few spots for a need-based LB, isn’t doing that versus Q. And no Oline addition while moving back does that.

    Just Q. And…it completely solved that bullspit McCoy quandary.

    Just Q.

    Go Bucs!

  51. TOM Says:

    Top 5 pick. In 2nd rd. Beware! Clemson DL.

  52. brett williams Says:

    Clellin Ferrill is the real deal. having watched him play often and reviewing lots of tape , this guy looks like a stud to me. if you want any proof of that , watch how he man-handled Jonah Wiliiams ( the consensus #1 OT in the draft ) in the national championship game. nuff said!

  53. MadMax Says:

    Agreed Stout, i said trade up if he’s there @4 somewhere, this post or another talking about Q…..

  54. MadMax Says:

    Hate to say it but after watching Q’s interviews, he def doesnt suffer from toxic masculinity lol….a beast on the field though FO SHO!

  55. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    Kalind Says:
    “Can anyone name a single Clemson DE that’s worked out?”

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    This isn’t really directed at you, Kalind, because a lot of people share that same view.

    I always think this is sort of a moot argument. Every single year of every single school is different, and every player who comes through is different.

    As an example, if every defensive player drafted at North Carolina had sucked before Lawrence Taylor came along. Should he have not been drafted?

    I just don’t think it’s pertinent.