Clemson's Profile for Phillip Merling
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Athletic player who played TE and DE at Fort Union Military Academy in 2004 before transferring to Clemson. Although he didn't start as a Freshman in 2005, he appeared in all 13 games. Started every game as a Junior and Senior in 06 & 07. Some questioned whether he would be productive as a senior with the loss of bookend LE Gaines Adams but Merling exceeded al expectations. Is quickly rising up draft boards and has gone from a mid level prospect to a Top 5 player.

Has a good but not great burst off the line and is a classic "potential" prospect. Has a good combination of speed and strength. Engages well with opposing linemen but fines a way to get into the backfield. Can string out a play and make tackles from behind in pursuit.

Merling has the tangibles be a very good DE at the next level; however, there are a couple of questions about his size and speed. Does he have the speed to be a LDE or the size to be an effective RDE. Merling appears capable of improving his quickness off the line and has the body to add another 15 lbs to be the run stufing end on the right side. Needs to improve technique and is similar to his former bookend Gaines Adams in hat he relied on his speed at the college level that will be somewhat negated at the next level.

Merling is viewed by many as a Top 5 DE prospect and could go as high as a mid 1st Rounder or as low as a mid 2nd depending on the teams selecting.

Your Projected NFL Draft Round: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Undrafted

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