Tampa Bay Buccaneers have “spent time” with Clelin Ferrell

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to host high profile draft prospects with two weeks until the 2019 NFL Draft, they have also met with Clelin Ferrell.

In the midst of players shuffling in and out of team meetings, some visits can get lost in the shuffle. While an official visit has not been confirmed, Ian Rapoport has reported that Clemson pass rusher Clelin Ferrell has “spent time” with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In need of some added pressure to opposing quarterbacks, it is no surprise that the Buccaneers have been turning over the rocks of all high profile pass rushers in this year’s draft class. The Bucs may have landed the steal of free agency by adding Shaquil Barrett on a $4 million deal, and now it looks like they will attempt to land a bookend for their defensive front to pair with him in the draft.

During Clemson’s national championship run last season, Ferrell wreaked havoc on opposition’s backfield on his way to being named an All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Ferrell tallied 55 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks for the Tigers’ defense and was a key part of the defensive line that also fielded first round hopefuls Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence.

Ferrell did not perform many tests at the combine, just the bench press (25 reps) the short shuttle (4.4 seconds) and the 3-cone drill (7.26 seconds). He did look smooth during his on-field drills, but has seen his draft stock slip a bit due to other edge rushers such as Montez Sweat and Brian Burns setting the combine on fire while he did not test.

Where Ferrell will fall in the draft is a complete mystery at this point, but the Buccaneers may be able to land the 2018 ACC Defensive Player of the Year in the teens if the Miami Dolphins or Washington seeks to trade up in order to grab the quarterback of their future.