Martavis Byrant Has the Skill to be Clemson's No. 1 Receiver Next Season--But He's Going Pro Instead

Dabo Swinney is going to have his hands full replacing his play makers from this season. He knew he'd have to find another quarterback, and it was widely expected that he'd need to find another No. 1 wide receiver with Sammy Watkins likely going pro (and he is).

But I doubt he expected to have to find a No. 2 wide receiver as well. In fact, I'd bet he thought that Martavis Bryant would be his new No. 1, but instead he's going pro as well.

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In the Orange Bowl he had just three catches for 28 yards, but two were for touchdowns; one of them could easily be the catch of the year.

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On the season--while playing the No. 2 to Watkins--he caught 42 balls for 828 yards and seven touchdowns. Good season overall, but what's impressive is his per catch average--19.7 yards (No. 9 in the nation)!

I'm a little surprised that he has decided to declare for the draft. With Watkins gone he will slide right into the No. 1 role next season for the Tigers and will get the lion's share of the balls in the passing game. At 6'5" he will definitely have the height advantage on most defensive backs he'll face.

His resume will interest teams and his height will definitely help him get on a number of draft boards, but there are a number of guys with better resumes that are going to go ahead of him. At best he's a middle round pick, but if he waited till next season--and had the kind of year he's capable of--he could easily become a first rounder.

I can completely understand why he's skipping his senior season though--he wants to help his family. No matter where he gets drafted he is going to make excellent money next year; maybe not millions, but still pretty damn good cash.

It is the kind of money that can change lives. Should he realize his full potential in a few years he will get the million+ dollar contract.

Now if only that could happen to bloggers....

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