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Clemson 2026 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at where Cade Klubnik, TJ Parker may land
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- Clemson 2026 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at where Cade Klubnik, TJ Parker may land
Linebacker Barrett Carter , safety R.J. Mickens and running back Phil Mafah were the only former Clemson football players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft .
The three selections are the fewest for Clemson since 2022. The Tigers had seven total draft-eligible players in 2025. Next year's class will be better as many draft-eligible players opted to return to Clemson for another season rather than to turn pro.
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Those names include quarterback Cade Klubnik , wide receiver Antonio Williams , offensive lineman Blake Miller and defensive tackle DeMonte Carpehart. The Tigers also have talented third-year players who could enter the draft instead of returning for the 2026 season, including defensive end T.J. Parker , defensive tackle Peter Woods and cornerback Avieon Terrell .
Here are Clemson's top five draft prospects for the 2026 cycle:
Clemson 2026 NFL Draft prospects
Cade Klubnik, QB
Klubnik could be taken in the first round of next year's draft if he builds on his strong junior season. He set career highs in passing yards (3,639), completions (308) and total touchdowns (43) in 2024, leading Clemson to its first ACC championship win since 2022 and first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020.
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Against Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Klubnik performed well against the No. 2 scoring defense. He completed 60% of his passes and threw for 336 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. It was the most passing yards and touchdown passes Texas allowed in a game all season.
Blake Miller, OL
Miller's name was prominent on offensive tackle lists for the 2025 NFL Draft throughout last season. He wasn't projected to go in the first round, but projections had him being selected.
Still, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Miller returned to Clemson. He has started in every game of his college career and allowed only one sack and committed one penalty over 935 snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
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MORE: Clemson football players picked in 2025 NFL draft: Tracking every selection
TJ Parker, DE
Parker was dominant in his second season, recording 11 sacks and forcing six fumbles (a single-season program record). He is a relentless terror on the edge against the run and pass who could be selected in the first two rounds with another stellar season.
Peter Woods, DT
Woods' statistical production doesn't jump out, recording 28 tackles and three sacks over 11 games in 2024, but his impact and measurables are impressive. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle is disruptive through his combination of power and agility, where he commands double teams.
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If Woods' impact can show on the stat sheet, he could be selected in the first two rounds if he chooses to go to the NFL.
Avieon Terrell, CB
Terrell, like his older brother A.J. Terrell, could leave Clemson as a third-year player if he builds on his sophomore season. In 2024, he had 45 tackles, two interceptions and 14 pass deflections over 14 games.
Despite his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame, Terrell carries strong physicality and has the speed to keep up with receivers in man coverage. He also loves tackling, never shying away from bigger players.
Clemson NFL Draft picks 2025
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Round 4, Pick 119: Barrett Carter , LB, Cincinnati Bengals
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Round 6, Pick 214: R.J. Mickens , DB, Los Angeles Chargers
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Round 7, Pick 239: Phil Mafah , RB, Dallas Cowboys
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
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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football 2026: An early look at Tigers' top NFL Draft prospects
