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Clemson loses Mackensie Alexander, three others to NFL Draft

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Clemson Tigers lost the National Championship on Monday night and on Wednesday they lost a number of players to the NFL Draft, including Mackensie Alexander.

It was a mix of good news and bad news for Clemson on Wednesday with a flurry of NFL Draft declarations, including Kevin Dodd, Jayron Kearse, T.J. Green and Mackensie Alexander all leaving school early.

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Dodd had a monster performance against Alabama in the National Championship with 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks against the best offensive line in the nation. He finished second in the nation to teammate Carl Lawson with 23.5 tackles for loss. Dodd should be one of the hot names to watch in the pre-draft process and should be a name to watch for the mid-late first round.

Kearse is a two-year starter at safety who had 62 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, seven passes defended and one interception and is likely a second-round or third-round pick. Green finished second on Clemson with 95 tackles and could be one of the first safeties taken.

Then the big domino fell with the decision from Alexander who made his announcement that he’s leaving early via Instagram. The redshirt sophomore has been a shutdown corner since cracking the starting lineup. He will compete with Jalen Ramsey and Vernon Hargreaves to be the first corner taken and could be a top 5-15 pick.

Clemson did get surprisingly good news with the decision from running back Wayne Gallman who will return after setting the program single-season record with 1,527 rushing yards. He also added 13 scores and his return means Clemson’s offense returns all their major contributors from this year.

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Now, Clemson awaits word on the decision from cornerback Cordrea Tankersley. If he leaves, Clemson’s defense will suffer another significant defection, but if he returns he could be the best cornerback in the ACC next year.

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