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2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to watch from the ACC

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) celebrates a play against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 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 tackle Carlos Watkins (94) celebrates a play against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

9. DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson

The Clemson Tigers defense was scary good this season. One reason for that was the presence of defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. Watkins racked up 50 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery in the Tigers run to the College Football National Championship.

The ACC has seen an uptick in defensive players like Watkins these past few seasons and it sets the tone for those that follow in his footsteps. He led the team in sacks and was second on the team in tackles for loss. He was a key cog in Clemson’s championship run.

In the ACC Championship Game against Virginia Tech, he racked up five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. In the College Football Playoff Semifinals, he recorded three tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks in a 31-0 shutout of Ohio State. Against the Alabama Crimson Tide, he had six tackles and a tackle for loss.

The first-team All-American and first team All-ACC selection will look to make noise at this year’s draft combine. He’s got a good motor and recorded at least one tackle in all of the Cardinals’ games this season. His strength is great but he’ll have work to do to show draft scouts he’s more than just that.

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