2018 NFL Draft Profiles: Christian Wilkins
- Tyler Webb
- Jun 21, 2017
- 2 min read
Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
6’4, 310 Lbs, Junior, 4.85 40 Yard
Becoming a football powerhouse in the NCAA normally means you will become a factory for NFL prospects as well. This is coming into formation with Christian Wilkins looking to be the 8th first round pick for the Tigers since 2013. Wilkins was the 6th ranked defensive tackle in the nation according to 247Sports.com, but ranked as the number one overall prospect out of Connecticut. He finished his high school career at Suffield Academy with 235 tackles and 28.5 sacks over a span of 35 games. Wilkins even had 209 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a tight end in 2012, showing off a little of his freak of nature attributes. Last season Wilkins played in all 15 games and finished the season with 48 total tackles, 13 of them being for a loss. Christian Wilkins also has been a part the college football playoff for two years in a row, winning it all last year. Clemson has produced 7 1st round picks since 2013, but 15 NFL draft picks in just the past two seasons, and Christian Wilkins still managed to find the field as a young player. I believe that says all you need to know about Christian Wilkins.
Christian Wilkins is a freak athlete that can play all across the defensive line. He is 310 Lbs, runs a 4.85 40 yard dash, and can drop into the splits as well. Okay, so the splits won’t help him get to the quarterback in the NFL, but can you do the splits? Probably not, especially at 310 pounds. Wilkins can provide pressure from inside and outside, though is a lot more polished on the inside of the line. Clemson even had Wilkins stand up and rush off the edge, showing that he needs to learn to read a play action, and not bite too fast. As well, he needs to improve on his block shedding ability, and work on not getting locked on a blocker. Multiple times throughout his tape you can see times when Wilkins will simple be overpowered by his blocker, even though a few plays prior he would completely own the match up. Consistency is something that comes with reps, and I see these as very fixable flaws for the young defensive lineman.
Possible Landing Spots: Top 20
Detroit Lions - The Lions are missing their pass rush from the middle, and with Haloti Ngata looking towards retirement, the Lions need could look for Wilkins in 2018.
New Orleans Saints - The Saints are building a young defense with a lot of talent, and could look to Wilkins as Nick Fairley’s replacement.
Buffalo Bills - Buffalo is a team that will show up a lot in these profiles. Not only do they have two 1st round picks, but they have plenty of needs as well. That being said, Kyle Williams just turned 34 and Marcell Dareus is struggling to stay on the field.
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