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James Skalski NFL Draft Profile
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James Skalski Scouting ReportJames plays fast, flows with the action. He shows smooth lateral agility and short area burst. He always gives his most on every play and has good instincts. He has good awareness to quickly find the ball. He is very experienced linebacker who has become a leader of the Tigers' defense. Skalski is a solid run defender who never lets up. He uses his low center of gravity to flash leverage and strong, violent hands to create space and shed to either side. He also spins off blocks to disengage. His instincts, burst, and reliable open field tackling gives him a chance to do precisely that. He has enough hustle and athleticism to make plays in the flat against running back. He has the vertical and the timing to knock away passes when approaching the quarterback. He is quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers to finish. He is experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on the outside receivers.
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James Skalski Areas for ImprovementJames is a tweener who lacks the bulk and srength to be a thumper inside. He is not fast enought ot stay on the weak side. He will add quality depth but must earn more than a backup/special teams role. He can be too hesitant when he doesn't find the ball immediately. He can struggle against faster backs in coverage. He occasionally overruns plays due to logging a ton of snaps at Clemson. He is never been a dominant player at the college level, which raises concerns he man not be able to compete at the next level.
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James Skalski Career at ClemsonJames Skalski was an outstanding all around athlete. He was a standout on the football field and the soccer field. He will leave Northgate High as the school's most decorated athlete. He was named first team all state as a linebacker and second team all state as a punter. He was Region 4 AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year. He was named the MVP of the Newman area. He led the team in tackles with 170, 33 tackles for loss. He had 11 sacks, three caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries with an interception. He had a pair of defensive touchdowns to top it all off. Skalski handled punts and had over a 40 yard average. He also handled kickoffs and was second team all region kicker. He als was running back at times for Northgate team that finished 12-2, most wins in school history. He was a three year starter in soccer. He actually played football and soccer at the same time during the fall of 20013. He played his high school football for coach Tommy Walburn. He selected Clemson over offers from Louisville and South Carolina, recruited by Mike Reed and Brent Venables. As a true freshman, he produced 14 tackles in 20 snaps in 14 games. Following year he was named All ACC Academic selection. He registered 37 tackles, two for loss and half a sack with two quarterback pressures. He played in 174 snaps over 14 games with two starts. He averaged a tackle every 6.7 snaps, third on the team (minimum 100 snaps). In 2018, James played 38 snaps over four games while redshirting, recording 10 tackles, one for loss. Returning in 2019, Skalski finished second on the team with 105 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble with a fumble recovery in 699 snaps over 15 games all starts. He was All ACC Academic selection. James Skalski entered his redshirt senior named to Second team All ACC honoree. He also earned second team all conference nod from PFF. He was voted a permanent teamm captain. He was credited with 44 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and three pass breakups with fumble recovery he returned for a defensive touchdown. He played in 291 snaps over nine games, eight starts. Skalski returned as a graduate player for 2021, was named First Team All ACC selection. James registered 85 tackles, 40 solo along with 2.5 sacks and 4 pass defended. |
James Skalski NFL Draft Player ProfileSkalski is a solid if unspectacular player who will likely be looked at as a late-round prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's a smart great effort player, but undersized with only average athletic ability and unlikely will be viewed as an NFL-level starter. His best hope is likely as an NFL backup who could provide a significant contribution on special teams.
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