NFL draft: Former Clemson WR selected in 6th round by Colts

Cain became the ninth former Clemson receiver soon to join an NFL roster currently.

by TigerNet Staff - Sat Apr 28 16:02:45 GMT-04:00 2018

Former Clemson receiver Deon Cain was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round in Saturday’s edition of the NFL draft.

Cain, who declared for the draft as a junior, entered this week ranked as high as the fifth-best receiver by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks with wide-ranging projections from the second round to the fifth round. Cain ended up as the 21st receiver off the board on Saturday.

"This guy is not at the top of the level of some of the receivers who have come out of Clemson," ESPN's Todd McShay said Saturday, "but what he is - is a vertical route-runner. He can get down the field. He's inconsistent tracking the ball. Clemson coaches got frustrated because he had so many opportunities to make plays and he would make some - but he wouldn't do it consistently.

"He had a little bit of trouble with his attitude and those sorts of things, but you can't coach 4.43-speed and 6-2, 200-pounds and you can't coach some of the explosive traits he showed at the (NFL) combine. He had one of the better overall workouts. There's a lot to work with, with Cain."

The speedy target averaged 15.7 yards per catch over three seasons at Clemson. He left tied for fourth in school history with 20 touchdown receptions over 42 games (14 starts).

In the NFL combine, the Tampa area native was tied for sixth among receivers with a 4.43 40-yard dash and was fifth-best in the 3-cone drill (6.71).

Cain joins a growing Clemson receiver group at the next level, as the ninth Tiger to join an NFL roster shortly before teammate Ray Ray McCloud became the 10th two picks later (Buffalo Bills, pick 187).

Cain joins former Clemson receiver-then-safety T.J. Green with the Colts.

"It's a blessing. I know he (T.J.) is going to make me feel right at home," Cain told Colts.com Saturday. "He's a Clemson brother. It's in our blood to go to work. He's always looked out for me and now he will look out for me (in Indianapolis). It's a blessing to work with my brother again."

We just got a DAWG!!!! #CainEra
— T.J. Green (@BossGreen256) April 28, 2018

Congrats to Deon Cain on being drafted by the @Colts! @ClemsonFB #WRU #ClemsonNFL #NFLDraft @cainera1_ pic.twitter.com/le813PS9od
— Jim Clements (@ClemsonPrez) April 28, 2018

With the 185th overall pick in the #NFLDraft the #Colts select WR Deon Cain out of Clemson.

Cain faced the 5th most targets against press coverage in 2017 catching 54.8% of those passes. Without Deshaun Watson his deep target catch % dropped from 43.8% in 2016 to 23.5% in 2017.
— PFF IND Colts (@PFF_Colts) April 28, 2018

Another weapon for 12. #ColtsDraft

Welcome home, Deon Cain! pic.twitter.com/PrsFYUxAEj
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 28, 2018

Drafted two spots apart from each other — Deon picked 185th to Colts and Ray-Ray picked 187th to Bills!

Congratulations, Deon & Ray-Ray!#NFLDraft #ClemsonFamily pic.twitter.com/5puktee5Og
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 28, 2018

Congrats to Deon!!! https://t.co/6YKwhzR0O7
— Coach Jeff Scott (@coach_jeffscott) April 28, 2018

Congrats to @cainera1_ and @RMIII_34 !!! #WRU
— Mike Williams (@darealmike_dub) April 28, 2018

#WRU ???? https://t.co/T02uWiIOgM
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 28, 2018

Clemson receivers Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCleod take two picks apart in 6th round,picks 185 and 187. First time two Tigers who play same position take that close together since 2009 Clemons and Hamlin back to back...
— Tim Bourret (@TimBourret) April 28, 2018

Welcome, Jordan Wilkins and Deon Cain!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 28, 2018

Heard a lot of hollering coming from down the hall here at the Colts facility when the Deon Cain pick was announced. Popular pick around here. https://t.co/04wZ4u1JJz
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 28, 2018