Clemson leads the pack with five first-round picks in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Clemson leads the pack with five first-round picks in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Clemson football's roster is loaded with future NFL talent, and one recent mock draft reflects just how high the national expectations are for several Tigers.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports released an early 2026 NFL mock draft and included five Clemson players in the first round — three of them landing in the top 10.
Defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods led the way, with Parker projected to go No. 3 overall to the New York Jets and Woods slotted at No. 5 to the Tennessee Titans. Wilson praised Parker's blend of athleticism and motor, comparing his frame to James Pearce Jr. 'He wins with both speed and power, is stout at the point vs. offensive tackles and is a high-motor, high-end athlete,' Wilson wrote.
As for Woods, Wilson cited his strength and technique in the trenches. 'Woods plays with leverage, power and a low center of gravity,' he wrote. 'He can toss offensive linemen off-balance and shed blocks quickly to fill gaps.'
Wide receiver Antonio Williams was the next Clemson standout off the board, going No. 10 overall to the Miami Dolphins. Wilson acknowledged Williams' occasional drops but praised his ability to separate and contribute across multiple roles. 'He consistently wins off the line vs. physical corners, can get open at all three levels and has legit separation ability,' he wrote.
Cornerback Avieon Terrell also made Wilson's first-round cut, going No. 20 to the Minnesota Vikings. 'Avieon plays bigger than his listed size,' Wilson noted, referencing his coverage against Stanford's Elic Ayomanor. 'He has good ball skills and plays run support like a strong safety.'
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik rounded out the group at No. 27 overall to the Los Angeles Rams. 'He's not the biggest QB, but he has a big arm and is one of the best deep-ball passers in this class,' Wilson wrote. 'If he continues to progress, he'll be a first-rounder next April.'
The 2026 NFL Draft is still nearly a year away, but if this projection is any indication, Clemson could be one of the most heavily represented programs in the first round.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
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