Kiper's Climber | Ohio State cornerback Nate Clements

	Nate Clements, right, is the latest product of Ohio State's cornerback pipeline.

While the 2000 season was progressing, senior cornerbacks such as Fred Smoot from Mississippi State, Will Allen from Syracuse and Ken Lucas from Ole Miss were being projected as a potential first-round draft choices. Of the junior group, Clements was in the mix with Wisconsin's Jamar Fletcher and Minnesota's Willie Middlebrooks.

During the season, Clements showcased the physical/athletic talent you look for in a top-drawer prospect but was also beaten some in coverage by the likes of Michigan's David Terrell and Minnesota's junior wideout Ron Johnson.

But while he was still a bit rough around the edges and took a few too many chances in coverage, the talent and ability were evident.

And with Clements, you understand that he has just touched the surface of his future pro potential. He's a physically gifted 5-foot-11, 209-pounder with 4.37 speed and superior upper body strength (20 bench-press reps at 225 pounds). You also have to like his aggressiveness and tackling ability. In coverage, he demonstrates the ability to recover smoothly when it appears he has been beaten. This past season, he broke up 13 passes and came away with four interceptions.

The Buckeyes have quite a tradition when it comes to producing first-round draft choices from the cornerback position.

A gifted all-around athlete, Clements also handled punt-return duties this past season for the Buckeyes, averaging 13.1 yards on 36 returns. The Buckeyes have quite a tradition when it comes to producing first-round draft choices from the cornerback position.

That list includes Shawn Springs (Seattle), Antoine Winfield (Buffalo) and Ahmed Plummer (San Francisco).

On April 21, you can add Clements' name to that list. While he's not yet a finished product and did have his ups and down this past season, there is no questioning the fact that his physical/athletic prowess puts him in an elite class. With coaching at the pro level, Clements has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber performer.