2017 NFL Draft Stock Report: Heisman candidates falling

Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson: Stock Up

Despite being undersized and not among the top linebackers when it comes to the NFL Draft, Clemson’s Ben Boulware had a spectacular performance against Georgia Tech last weekend. Boulware recorded a career-high 18 tackles, eight of which were unassisted. In addition to the outstanding number of tackles, Boulware recorded a sack, recovered a fumble, and deflected a pass in the Tigers win. He was subsequently named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, and increased his stock for this years Bronko Nagurski award.

Boulware was named in the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski award, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.

At just six foot tall and weighing in at 235 pounds, Boulware will need to stock up and gain some more muscle if he wishes to be drafted next spring. The biggest thing he has going for him was illustrated against Georgia Tech, that being tackling. Boulware uses his lanky arms to wrap up opponents and instantly bring them to the ground.

He does struggle to get off of blocks, something that can improve with more muscle and better hand technique. Should he make it to the NFL, he will be an excellent special teams linebacker who could possibly work his way into a linebacker rotation. Many view Boulware as a possible candidate to be “Mr. Irrelevant,” also known as the final pick in the NFL Draft. His versatility to play either inside or outside at linebacker and provide depth on special teams makes him the perfect option for a team looking to kill two birds with one stone.