Demond Claiborne Draft Grade | Round 6, Pick 17 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Steal

Position

RB · Discount Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #139 · Day 3 Sleeper

Demond Claiborne emerged as a dynamic three-down back for Wake Forest, showcasing exceptional vision and pass-catching ability throughout his college career. The South Carolina native transformed from a role player as a sophomore to the Demon Deacons' featured back, demonstrating impressive durability and versatility in Dave Clawson's RPO-heavy system. His draft stock has steadily climbed due to his refined route-running from the backfield and ability to create after contact, though concerns about his straight-line speed and size limitations in short-yardage situations have kept him projected as a mid-round selection. Claiborne profiles as a chess piece back who can contribute immediately on third downs and special teams.

Strengths

+Outstanding vision and patience allow him to find cutback lanes and maximize yardage on inside zone concepts, consistently hitting the right gap timing.

+Natural pass-catcher with soft hands who can align anywhere in the formation, running crisp option routes and attacking leverage effectively.

+Exceptional balance and body control enable him to bounce off arm tackles and maintain forward momentum through contact, rarely going down on first hit.

+High football IQ evident in his blitz pickup and pass protection, consistently identifying threats and delivering solid punch technique on rushers.

+Impressive lateral agility and cutting ability make him dangerous on stretch plays and outside zone, able to plant and accelerate through gaps decisively.

+Competitive toughness and willingness to lower shoulder in short-yardage despite size limitations, showing heart between the tackles.

+Refined route tree from backfield includes wheels, option routes, and crossing patterns executed with precision and reliable hands.

+Strong work ethic and leadership qualities recognized by coaches, serving as emotional catalyst for offense during crucial drives.

+Quick processing ability allows him to diagnose defensive rotations pre-snap and adjust protection calls accordingly in RPO concepts.

+Excellent field awareness and clock management, understanding situational football and making smart decisions with ball security.

+Versatility to contribute immediately on special teams as returner and coverage specialist, adding value beyond offensive role.

Weaknesses

NFL Comparison: Nyheim Hines

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

Fan Discussion

Live Chat

1 watching

Loading chat...