4. Jackson Carman, Clemson (OG/OT)
Size: 6-5, 317
The Good: Out of all the top guard prospects, Carman brings the most versatility as a possible tackle.
He’s a guard, and he has the athleticism lacking in some of the other top interior blockers in the draft. Don’t assume he’s a finesse player, but he fits more styles than other guards do.
There’s enough power to matter. He’s not a road grader, but he’s an adequate run blocker who’s better and stronger on the move than he is in a phone booth – that’s not a knock depending on the scheme.
However …
The Not-So-Good: He’ll have to prove he can handle bulk power at the next level.
No, he’s not soft at all, and he’ll get the job done for the running game, but he’s not going to kill his guy and there could be problems against the Coke machines who need to be moved off their bases.
For all his skills, he’s not quite as polished as some might like. His style is different, but it worked for him at a high college level – there might be an adjustment period needed.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Here’s your Best Of All Worlds guard prospect. He doesn’t have the otherworldly upside of Trey Smith, and he’s not going to bring the power of Aaron Banks, but he’ll find a fit in almost any scheme and on any team. Again, he’s not your typical throwback tough guy interior blocker, but for today’s NFL he might grow into a perfect fit.
Projected Round: Second