Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rod Gardner (Clemson) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #15 by WAS

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Rod Gardner - 2001 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Rod Gardner
• College: Clemson University
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 215 lbs

Overview: Rod Gardner was a standout wide receiver at Clemson, known for his size, speed, and playmaking ability. He was expected to be one of the top wideouts in the 2001 NFL Draft, garnering attention from numerous NFL scouts and analysts. Strengths:

• Physicality: Gardner possessed a strong, muscular frame that allowed him to win battles against defensive backs.
• Speed: He had decent straight-line speed, which complemented his size and allowed him to stretch the field.
• Ball Skills: Gardner demonstrated excellent hands and was effective at catching passes in traffic.
• Route Running: He showed the ability to run precise routes, which made him a reliable target for quarterbacks.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: There were questions about his consistency in both catching the ball and making plays in critical situations.
• Separation: While good in many areas, Gardner occasionally struggled to create separation from top-tier cornerbacks.
• Injury History: Teams were concerned about his injury history, as it could impact his longevity in the league.

Projected Draft Position: Gardner was projected to be selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, with several teams in need of a wide receiver eyeing him as a potential foundational piece for their offense. Conclusion: Rod Gardner entered the 2001 NFL Draft as one of the most promising wide receiver prospects. His combination of size, strength, and ability to make plays made him an attractive option for NFL teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.