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Christian Wilkins, Clemson: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson’s Christian Wilkins is a versatile defender who fills multiple rolls along the defensive line.

Christian Wilkins is a thicker defensive line prospect who features good athleticism for his build. Clemson utilizes his unique skills set by lining him up at defensive end. He mainly operates as a 5-technique where he holds up against the run and generates some pressure.

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Wilkins is a strong run defender who can anchor at the point of attack. He is committed to gaining inside hands while and maintaining proper leverage. His raw strength helps him easily disengage and make plays away from his frame.

While Wilkins can occupy blockers, he’s more impactful when penetrating the pocket. He features the snap awareness and initial burst needed to wreak havoc in the backfield.

His low pad level and hand usage also play a role in his ability to penetrate. However, his role in Clemson’s defense doesn’t give him enough opportunities to show these skills. He is mainly asked to work off the edge where he lacks the ideal speed.

Wilkins flashes plenty of upside as a pass rusher, but would put up better numbers working on the interior. He has the build and short-area quickness to be a highly effective 3-technique. He can create pressure by blowing past the blocker or using his strength to push the pocket.

This is a fluid athlete who possesses both short-area quickness and lateral movement. Clemson doesn’t hesitate to show his athleticism by giving him an opportunity to drop into coverage and make catches on offense.

The only real question marks I noticed are overall position fit and arm length. He doesn’t appear to have the reach most evaluators look for in a defensive line prospect.

However, Wilkins has proven to be a productive player with tons of upside. It would be nice to see him get more opportunities to work along the interior. This would show teams the type of potential he has as a 3-technique.

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