Last of a five-part series
The NFL draft is more than seven months away, but Pro Football Weekly personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki has already invested months of work in the player evaluation process. This year, PFW is proud to introduce the latest product in its line of pre-draft periodicals — the Draft Newsletter series. For $24.95, you will receive four Nawrocki-authored newsletters that are designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings as they relate to the NFL draft — including the most-respected player reports and rankings available anywhere.
To give you a taste of what you will receive when you subscribe to this wildly popular new product, we are releasing some of the 222 scouting reports that appear in the first installment of the newsletter. We are counting down the top 15 senior prospects, so be sure to check back daily for the latest player reports.
The numbers in parentheses after each player indicate height, weight and 40-time — "E" means height, weight and speed are estimated or from an outside source; "e" means only the 40-yard-dash time is estimated or from an outside source.
3. RB C.J. Spiller, #28
(5-11, 195, 4.35 E) Clemson
A very sudden, cat-quick multi-purpose back who operates best in space, Spiller lacks the run strength to consistently pound the ball inside and has shown a tendency, especially earlier in his career, to bounce outside. Is not powerful but will rip through arm tackles and does not go down easy once he gains a head of steam, showing very good contact balance. Possesses the top-end burst to take the corner and can accelerate and pull away from defenders in the clear. Really emerged late in the season after then-interim and new head coach Dabo Swinney took over the play-calling and well distributed his touches. Catches the ball with ease and is exceptionally elusive after the catch. Brings a home-run threat to the return game. Has run track at Clemson, and it has hindered his development in football. Is not overly tough, does not like to be hit squarely and could always be at risk of popping hamstrings given his dynamic gear change and rare acceleration, but he possesses the physical traits to be a difference-maker in multiple phases and is a game-changer.