Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Clemson vs Florida State
By Erik Schlitt
![Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/131efcecc3725ca39c6020ab42bbbfb0f074d60efb2210254e5fd3accd5803fe.jpg)
Day 2 Seminoles
Junior wide receiver Travis Rudolph (#15, 6’1″, 189) excels in space and has one of the best start-stop moves in this year’s draft class. He accelerates very well out of his breaks and uses his height to effectively create a large target for his quarterback. He struggled a bit with drops as a sophomore, but he has shown play-making abilities this season.
Senior cornerback Marquez White (#27, 6’0″, 181) was considered a potential day two pick if he declared for last year’s draft, but he chose to return to school and work on his skill set. While he is a tick under six feet tall, he has the length to stay outside in the NFL. He plays aggressive and with full effort, but he needs to improve his footwork and technique.
Defensive end Demarcus Walker (Senior, #44, 6’2″, 281) is the biggest riser on FSU’s team. His ability to consistently create pressure, while still holding his edge, is an impressive combination for a man his size. While not the tallest defensive lineman, Walker still manages to knock down passes at the line.
Walker isn’t going to jump off the screen like some of the other quick twitch edge rushers in this class, but he has well-rounded skills and finds his way to the quarterback. He had 10.5 sacks as a junior and has already amassed 8.5 sacks this season, including 4.5 against Ole Miss in the opener.
If the Lions decide to move on from Devin Taylor in the off-season, Walker would be a quality fit as a left defensive end in Detroit.