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CB Nate Clements, San Francisco 49ers
HT: 6-0, WT: 209, Born: 12-12-1979, College: Ohio State, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 21
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2008 Projections
| TKL | AST | SACK | FF | FR | INT | PD | FPT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Norton | 72 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 171.50 |
| Aaron Rudnicki | 76 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 187.00 |
Best Case
Clements has developed into one of the league's best cornerbacks since being drafted in 2001 and he is still just 28 years old playing in the prime of his career. He has an ideal combination of size and speed that allows him to match up with any WR in the league, along with the toughness to rack up tackles in run support and the skill to average 4 interceptions per year. If things break right for Clements this year, he has a chance for 80+ solo tackles and 6 interceptions and possibly even a TD or two, which would likely make him one of the most valuable fantasy DBs in the league.
Worst Case
Last year, Clements was very motivated to live up to the huge record-setting contract he signed. Without that same motivation this year, perhaps his play will slip a bit. Clements' production could also take a hit if QBs stop throwing to his side of the field, and if the play of 34 year old Walt Harris at the other CB spot starts to slip that might just happen.
Outlook
Clements has averaged 71 solo tackles over the past three seasons, making him one of the most productive cornerbacks in the league during that same time period. He's also been remarkably durable, playing in every single game during a 7-year career. The 49ers are expected to finally improve on offense this year, but with Mike Martz running things there shouldn't be a big shift in time of possession so Clements figures to be on the field for a similar number of snaps. While he may see a slight dropoff in tackles if the 49ers defense improves thanks to the addition of Justin Smith, he could also see a bump in his interception total and big plays thanks to an improved pass rush. Clements has been a top-5 fantasy CB in 3 of the past 4 seasons and that trend should continue again this year.
Writeups last modified: 2008-06-24 21:32:17
