2024 NFL mock draft: Projecting where all 10 Clemson Tigers prospects will land
CLEMSON — Clemson football had six players selected in the 2023 NFL draft with defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee going in the first round.
This year, the Tigers could have 10 players selected during the NFL Draft on April 25-27. Although Clemson fell short of expectations with a 9-4 record last season, players like Nate Wiggins, Will Shipley and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. showcased talents that NFL teams are interesting in acquiring.
Here are the best fits for the top Clemson players in the NFL draft:
CB Nate Wiggins to the Philadelphia Eagles in Round 1
Nate Wiggins, Clemson's top prospect this spring, finished his college career with three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 24 pass deflections. The 6-foot-2, 182-pound cornerback ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among cornerbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.28 seconds.
Wiggins' length, speed and physicality would boost an aging Philadelphia Eagles secondary that struggled against the pass last year.
DT Ruke Orhorhoro to the Los Angeles Rams in Round 3
Though he spent much of his Clemson career in a backup role, Orhorhoro accumulated 25.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and nine pass deflections. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40 in 4.89 seconds, fourth among defensive tackles, and finished second in the broad jump (9-8) and third in the vertical jump (32 feet).
With the retirement of Aaron Donald, Orhorhoro could help strengthen the L.A. Rams' interior alongside Kobie Turner.
LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Round 3
During his two seasons as a starter, Trotter led Clemson in tackles, accumulating 177, including 28.5 for loss (13 sacks), and had 13 pass breakups and four interceptions. He is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who played 12 seasons in the NFL. With the trade of Devin White to the Eagles and with Lavonte David turning 34, the Buccaneers need youth at linebacker.
RB Will Shipley to the Houston Texans in Round 4
In only three seasons at Clemson, Shipley cracked the top 10 in school history in touchdowns (33), 100-yard rushing games (10) and all-purpose yards (4,253). Shipley did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine but ran 4.39 seconds in the 40 at Clemson’s Pro Day, which would have ranked him third among backs at the combine.
Shipley's running and versatility in the passing game would complement the Texans' Joe Mixon.
MORE: Will Shipley, Xavier Thomas' blazing 40-yard dash times headline Clemson's Pro Day
DT Tyler Davis to the New Orleans Saints in Round 5
Davis spent five seasons with the Tigers, becoming Clemson’s first defensive player to be a four-time All-ACC selection. He recorded 167 tackles (29.5 for loss), 16 sacks and four pass deflections over 56 games.
Davis would join Bresee in New Orleans to bolster the team's interior, which struggled against the run last year.
DE Xavier Thomas to the Arizona Cardinals in Round 5
Thomas played for the Tigers for six seasons, logging 133 tackles (34 for loss, including 17.5 acks) and nine pass deflections. After he ran 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he ran 4.56 at Clemson's Pro Day, which would have ranked third among defensive ends in the combine.
Thomas would add an explosive edge rusher for the Cardinals, who are rebuilding their defense under second-year coach Jonathan Gannon.
CB Sheridan Jones to the San Francisco 49ers in Round 7
Jones had 108 tackles, 10 pass breakups and three interceptions in five seasons at Clemson, has the prototypical size (6-0, 190 pounds) for an outsider cornerback and plays with a physicality that helps in run support.
He would add depth to the NFC champions' secondary in their bid to return to the Super Bowl.
DE Justin Mascoll undrafted to Minnesota Vikings
Mascoll developed into a a capable edge rusher in six seasons with the Tigers and would add depth for the Vikings, who lost many players on the defensive line this offseason.
S Jalyn Phillips undrafted to Buffalo Bills
Phillips played five seasons with Clemson, recording 187 tackles, 14 pass deflections and two interceptions. He missed five games last season because of a shoulder injury and participated in Clemson's Pro Day to show he is healthy. The Bills lost long-time safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde this offseason, allowing Phillips to compete for a reserve role.
C Will Putnam undrafted to Denver Broncos
Putnam was a four-year starter along the offensive line, playing two seasons at guard and two at center. His versatility is a plus, and the Broncos are looking for line depth after losing their starting center Lloyd Cushenberry in the offseason.
Top Clemson Tigers NFL draft prospects over the past five years
Clemson has had 26 players (15 on defense; 11 on offense) selected in the NFL Draft since 2019.
Nine players have been first-round picks: quarterback Trevor Lawrence (2021, first overall), defensive end Clelin Ferrell (2019, fourth overall), linebacker Isaiah Simmons (2020, eighth overall), defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (2019, 13th overall), cornerback A.J. Terrell (2020, 16th overall), defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (2019, 17th overall), running back Travis Etienne (2021, 25th overall), Murphy (2023, 28th overall) and Bresee (2023, 29th overall).
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: NFL mock draft 2024: Clemson Tigers prospects projections
