Emerging DE enters draft; two others stay … The 2018 draft was never going to be particularly strong at DE and it just got significantly weaker with news that both of Clemson junior DEs Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell will return for the senior seasons. Both had been considered to be late first or early second round possibilities. In fact, Clemson got word that a total of 4 outstanding defenders will be back next year as ILB Kendall Joseph and CB Mark Fields also said they will return for their senior campaigns. The NFL, though, is still waiting to hear from star Clemson DT Christian Wilkins, a potential top 10-15 pick this coming April. On the other hand, the upcoming draft got a boost at DE with the announcement that Southern California DE Rasheem Green will be entering the draft. Green, who is listed at 6-4, 275 with a burst, had 10 sacks for the Trojans and could fill some of the late first, early second round void created by the Clemson announcements. At the same time, Washington State junior WR Tavares Martin has indicated he will be entering the upcoming draft. Martin was the Cougars’ leading receiver this past season with 70 catches, but he had a tenuous relationship with QB Luke Falk and head coach Mike Leach. Martin was suspended during the season and then either quit or was kicked off the team late in the year and had been expected to transfer, but will try his hand with the NFL although because of the off-field stuff may not be selected. Underclassmen have until the end of business tomorrow to file paperwork with the league in order to be eligible for this year’s draft.
