The Minnesota Vikings nabbed offensive lineman TJ Clemmings in the fourth-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, despite numerous draftniks and prognosticators projecting the former Pittsburgh Panther to go much higher, with some even suggesting he could wind up in the first or second-round.
While Clemmings' fall may have had as much to do with the uninformed media as anything, he seems to have ultimately landed in a favorable situation in Minnesota.
"Minnesota can develop him behind starting right tackle Phil Loadholt and in time, Clemmings could prove to be a cheaper, younger alternative," writes Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. "Clemmings also is athletic enough where he could be a game-day swing tackle or guard, although his development will have to dictate whether he's ready for that role. Last year, the Vikings received a very disappointing season from Matt Kalil. Perhaps the presence of Clemmings can push Kalil and help get the former high first-rounder back on track. While Clemmings fell lower than many expected on draft day, he could end up being a nice value pick for Minnesota.
Loadholt, 29, is set to enter his seventh NFL season and the third year of a four-year deal which pays him $4.4 million in base salary and carries a $6.75 million cap number in 2015.
Considering he's only under contract through the 2016 season, if Clemmings is able to develop as expected, his ascension to the starting lineup at right tackle could align nicely with the team parting ways with Loadholt.
For the time being, as Campbell notes, Clemmings - who excels as a run-blocker but struggles to sustain blocks and keep pace with athletic pass-rushers - could find his way to the field most easily as a swing tackle or guard.
He has the size 6-foot-5, 309-pounds, of a tackle, but his ideal NFL position, at least to begin with, may be guard.
He won't struggle as mightily with pass-rushers if he's allowed to operate in a phone booth and his technical deficiencies can be covered up by his toughness and grittiness inside.
If he continues to mature and hone his technique, a move outside, potentially in place of Loadholt, could be Clemmings' ultimate NFL future, but for the here and now, he seems set to leave his mark on the Vikings from Day One as a top back-up or guard.
