2021 NFL Draft pro day watch: Clemson takes center stage

Clemson, Texas and North Dakota State highlight Thursday’s calendar

The collegiate pro day circuit heads to South Carolina for the Clemson Tigers workout on Thursday, March 11th. The Tigers will hold one of the three primary pro days on that date.

Clemson Tigers

Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence won’t work out, however. The presumptive No. 1 overall pick already had his own private pro day in February to accelerate the recovery schedule from surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. But Clemson still has quite a few interesting prospects. Among them:

  • RB Travis Etienne
  • WR Amari Rodgers
  • OL Jackson Carman
  • WR Cornell Powell

Etienne’s official measurements are already public, courtesy of Jim Nagy of the Senior Bowl,

North Dakota State Bison

The Bison have two players of prominence who will audition for NFL scouts. Most prominent is quarterback Trey Lance, a likely top-10 overall pick. Lance played just one game in 2020 as the FCS-level teams postponed the season to the winter, and he’s got less than 350 career pass attempts, so the pro day is an excellent opportunity for Lance to try and prove himself.

Offensive tackle Dillon Radunz is generally projected to go in the second or third round of the 2021 NFL draft. Radunz thrived during Senior Bowl week and has the athleticism needed to make the jump from FCS to NFL left tackle.

Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns workout will feature several players hoping to prove they can shine at the next level. The principal among those is left tackle Sam Cosmi, a polarizing prospect with a lot of good tape but some questions about his slender build (he’s listed at 6-7/300) and play strength.

Eyes will be on EDGE Joseph Ossai, namely his performance in agility and explosive drills. He’s a better candidate for teams who use an odd-man front as a stand-up, rushing OLB.

QB Sam Ehlinger, DL Ta’Quon Graham and safety Caden Sterns are among the other Texas prospects who should hear their names called on draft weekend.