The dog days of summer are upon us. To help pass the time, the staff at The Clemson Insider is picking sides.
Along with publisher Robert MacRae, staff writers Will Vandervort, William Qualkinbush and Hale McGranahan are drafting players from the Clemson roster to fill out their own teams.
Here’s how the second-round of the TCI Open Draft played out:
Will Vandervort
Second round (5th overall) — Kelly Bryant, QB (6-4, 215)
There is no doubt in my mind that Kelly Bryant is the second best quarterback on the roster in 2015. Bryant has it all. He has the size and speed to match anyone. He has a rocket of an arm and throws the deep ball as well as anyone.
The thing I like best about this young quarterback is his upside. His frame is big enough to get to 230 pounds, where I think by his junior or senior year he can run the quarterback power with even more efficiency than Tajh Boyd. Think Auburn 2010 with Cam Newton. That’s who Bryant reminds me of.
Bryant still has some work to do. He made great strides by the end of spring practice, but he still is learning the offense and is still trying to become a more accurate passer.
At Wren High School last year, Bryant completed 231 of 368 passes for 3,579 yards and 41 touchdowns along with 720 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Hale McGranahan
Second Round (6th overall) — Isaiah Battle (6-7, 290)
After going defense with my first pick, I opted to go offense with the second. The next decision was to go with a skill player or a lineman. Since the talent pool at wide receiver and running back is a little greater than it is up front, I opted to go with Battle.
Not only is Battle one of the most athletic offensive linemen to play at Clemson under Dabo Swinney, he’s also one of the most experienced linemen we have to pick from.
Whether my quarterback is Nick Schuessler or Tucker Israel, I can feel good knowing their blind-side is covered by a reliable, experienced left tackle.
Robert MacRae:
Second Round (7th overall) — Mike Williams (6-4, 210)
I can’t believe Williams is still available so I have to take him with the eighth pick. Williams will be playing on Sunday’s in 2016.
Williams had a great year last season and this will be a money year for him as he looks forward to the NFL draft. He had 57 catches for 1,030 years as a sophomore. Look for another 1,000-yard season from him this season.
With Artavis Scott and Williams on my team, I will without a doubt have the best set of receivers. Regardless of which quarterback I take later in the draft they will have great playmakers at receiver.
William Qualkinbush:
Second Round (8th overall) — Ben Boulware, LB (6-0, 235)
This might be an overreach, but I’m looking to build from the core of my defense. I want playmakers, and Boulware certainly possesses a knack for finding the football.
I also love his versatility. I can move him inside to MIKE or shift him outside to WILL, and I don’t miss a beat either way. I don’t see that kind of versatility anywhere else in the linebacking corps.
Also, Boulware’s on-edge tendencies play well on a tenacious defense. All I have to do is keep him from going rogue and punching somebody, and his fearless demeanor will rub off on his teammates to provide a toughness that quality defenses always have.