2015 NFL Draft: Scouting T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh Offensive Tackle

One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is former Pittsburgh Panther right tackle T.J. Clemmings. He is a 6'5 309lb offensive tackle who is one of the better tackle prospects in the entire 2015 draft. Clemmings is rated as the 31st overall prospect by CBS Sports and is the 5th overall offensive tackle prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft.

T.J. Clemmings started 26 games at right tackle during the past two seasons for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Clemmings was elected to the second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and first-team All-ACC. He red-shirted the 2012 season because he was making the switch from defensive end to right tackle.

T.J. Clemmings:

Offensive Tackle, Senior, Pittsburgh

Height: 6'5 Weight: 309lbs 40 time: 5.14 seconds

Arm length: 35 1/8" Hands: 10 3/8"

Bench Press: 22 reps Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches(Top performer at the NFL Combine)

Broad Jump: 111.0 inches 3 Cone Drill: 7.68 seconds

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.54 seconds(Top Performer at the NFL Combine)

Film Room:

Pittsburgh vs Virginia Tech(2014)

Pittsburgh vs Virginia(2014)

Pittsburgh vs Miami(2014)

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• Clemmings has a long athletic frame. Thick build, broad shoulders, long arms, and well built. Doesn't look sloppy.
• He moves well in space. Shows the athleticism to get to the second level consistently. He also has very good foot quickness.
• Has elite knee bend, and is able to peel off blocks to get to the delayed blitzer.
• He explodes out of his stance to take on a defender. Fire's into the second level and squares up on linebackers.
• He has a bit of a mean streak. He finishes his blocks and plays through the whistle.
• Has the ability to be an elite run blocker at the next level.
• Clemmings uses his wide base to cut off edge rushers. Has fluid smooth movement.
• He's still learning the position and has a high ceiling.

Weaknesses:

• Clemmings is inexperienced and raw. He has only played two years at right tackle at Pittsburgh. Transitioned from defensive end in 2011 and spent 2012 redshirted while learning the position.
• Still needs a bit of work as a pass blocker. He spreads his hands too wide, needs work with his hand placement, and just needs to work on his overall technique as a pass blocker.
• He needs to work on his confidence. Was down on himself at the Senior Bowl when beaten.
• Also a little stiff in the hips.

Does T.J. Clemmings fit with the Broncos?:

He does.

The Broncos have a need at right tackle. They used multiple players at the spot last season, and last year's third round selection was inactive for all 17 games for the Broncos last season. Clemmings would come in and compete for the starting right tackle position.

What does worry me is his inexperience. Will he be ready to step in and protect Peyton Manning on day one? Or will he need time to work on his game before hitting the field? Clemmings does have a lot of potential though. He has the skill set to become a pro bowl right tackle, and could even shift over to the left side in the future.

I also think he would fit into Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme very well. He has the athleticism needed to fit the scheme and he's a plus run blocker.