From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#79 Jackson Carman/OL/Clemson/6’5”, 335 LBs
The Good
-Athletic specimen along the offensive line
-Great length overall to keep defenders at bay
-Able to stymie initial pass rush and reset his feet quickly
-Good initial depth in pass sets, good feet overall, especially late in 2020
-Never have to question his effort rep to rep
-Has a mean streak in there; can smell the syrup on the pancakes ahead of reps, loves to finish
-Surprisingly polished hand usage overall in pass protection; good overall hand fighter with powerful trap/snatch
-Violent hands with shocking power that stun defenders
-Able to sink into his hips quickly and engulf bull rushers
-Rolls hips into contact easily in the run game creating movement with good leg drive
The Bad
-Feet can get heavy against speed rushers off the edge
-Once his feet go in pass protection, technique falls apart, becomes a waist bender and lunger
-Struggled to slow down counters inside; processes counters just a tick late
-Appeared to have communication issues at times in 2019 and 2020, leading to free rushers
-Angles and overall technique climbing to second level needs work
-Penalties are an issue, especially in marquee matchups; tends to get grabby
Bio
-Played in 40 career games at Clemson, starting 27 overall; played 1,934 career snaps
-Second-team All-American in 2020 according to CBS Sports
-Second-team All-ACC in 2020
-Third-team All-ACC in 2019
-One of five finalists for USA Today National Offensive Player-of-the-Year coming out of high school in 2017
-Turned 21 years old on Jan.