PLAYER PROFILE: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson Tigers

Photo Credit: Kyle Terada (USA Today Sports)

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Christian Wilkins enters the draft after a wildly successful four years at Clemson where he earned All-American status three times. At 23, his age might be a knock, but he brings a high level of maturity to the table. Wilkins earned a degree in 2.5 years, worked in the community and became a permanent team captain in 2017. He concluded his career with 16 sacks, 40.5 tackles for loss and 15 batted passes. Wilkins shored up his run-stopping ability each year until he become one of the nation’s top run-stuffers in 2018. Had a tackle-for-loss in all but two games last season, which ended in a Clemson championship.

Size

6-3, 315 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
Bench: 28 reps
Vertical: 29.5 inches
Broad jump: 107 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.55 seconds

What the analysts say

“Desired combination of athleticism, production and character with the ability to fit into a stop unit that already has some pieces in place. Wilkins is a slippery, upfield three-technique with the ability to make plays outside his area. He plays with low pads allowing for optimal disruption leverage in the gaps, but he needs to be paired with an attacking front as he lacks the length and strength to hold his ground as a read-and-react tackle.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Christian Wilkins projects favorably into an even front as a true 3T defensive tackle. Wilkins’ versatility would allow him to play at a high level in odd fronts as well, provided he’s tasked with B-gap assignments and allowed to penetrate the pocket. Wilkins has a great nose for the football and is technically advanced, he should be capable of making a positive impact for a defense very early on in his NFL career. Starter with Pro Bowl ceiling.” – Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-2nd in run-stop percentage (11.9 percent)
-2nd in pass-rush productivity
-4th in pressures
-22nd in snaps per outside pressure

Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

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