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NFL: 15 Rookies who are future Pro Bowlers

By Andrew Garda

May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman T.J. Clemmings (68) takes a drink on the sidelines in the fourth quarter in a game against the FIU Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium. Pitt won 42-25. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive linesman T.J. Clemmings (68) takes a drink on the sidelines in the fourth quarter in a game against the FIU Golden Panthers at FIU Stadium. Pitt won 42-25. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. Clemmings, OT, Minnesota Vikings

Here’s your long-shot of the list, at least in some ways. T.J. Clemmings fell to the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round because of an ankle injury and a lack of experience. Having only played the tackle position for two years (he played defensive end previously), Clemmings is terribly raw, with one great play followed by another where he looks lost.

He’s the type of player with a very high ceiling, but some significant flaws. He can refine his technique, work on his hands and gain strength at the pro level though and Minnesota should be able to help him reach his potential.

There’s room on the line for him as well, as every single player on the line struggled to protect the quarterback. Phil Loadholt played all right last season blocking for the run, Brandon Fusco can be inconsistent, and David Yankey is unproven.

And Matt Kalil – wow. He has been struggling since a solid rookie season. Last year he said that a knee injury (and surgery) had put him behind, but it seems like the issues didn’t go away as USA Today’s Tom Pelissero reported that he underwent surgery to repair both knees.

Hopefully that will help, but if he doesn’t turn things around soon, Kalil may not be around Minnesota much longer.

If Clemmings can refine his game and improve, the way he did in he leaps and strides at PITT the last few years, he could actually find himself at left tackle.

No matter what, a solid tackle can get some attention from the league with Pro Bowl nods. I think Clemmings has a long way to go, but will get there down the road.

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