ESPN projects 10 Tigers to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft
Ever Since Dabo Swinney took over as the head coach of the Clemson football program, the Tigers have seen great success in college football and beyond in the NFL Draft.
Look at the NFL right now, and there are Tigers across the league, with some being the top players at their positions. Dexter Lawrence, Trevor Lawrence, AJ Terrell, Tee Higgins, Grady Jarrett, and many more, Clemson produces stars at the next level.
According to ESPN, the 2024 NFL Draft should be another strong one for the program. Their latest article discussing the 10 college football teams with the most 2024 NFL draft prospects has ten Tigers projected to be drafted. Here is what writer and NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid had to say about the Tigers.
Top prospect to know: Barrett
, LB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Florida State, Sept. 23Clemson has had at least two Round 1 picks in four of the past five years, with 2022 being the exception. And it is still among the most talented teams in the country. The early intrigue is around the linebacker duo of
Carter
Carter
is a true modern-day LB — 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, physical against the run and fluid to play all types of coverages on the weak side. Trotter, the son of a former 12-year NFL pro, is an instinctive downhill player who attacks plays in front of him, and his talent is routinely on display as a run defender. At 6-foot and 230 pounds, he lacks length. He also faces challenges when attempting to detach from climbing blockers, an area where scouts want to see improvement from him this season.
Running back Will Shipley is the most exciting player on the offense. He is a compactly built rusher at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, and his vision and suddenness often places defenders in a bind. He rushed for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and will again be the catalyst of the team’s offensive attack. Shipley has an early-Day 3 grade by multiple scouts and projects as a complementary option in a committee backfield who can serve multiple roles.
Defensive tackles Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis surprisingly returned for their senior seasons and should make an impact, but Orhorhoro is the higher-ranked prospect. I’ve heard a lot of early-Day 2 grades on him. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, he’s sturdy, powerful and versatile to fit in any scheme. In the secondary, cornerback Nate Wiggins and safety Andrew Mukuba are two names to have circled as potential risers. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Wiggins has plenty of exciting plays on tape, but they are often followed by inconsistent moments. Mukuba — who split time between corner and safety in 2022 — failed to live up to expectations last season after earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, though he showed his toughness by battling through multiple injuries. He is a savvy and easy mover and could enter the early-Day 2 range now that he’s fully healthy.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 10
The Clemson football program is poised to have a strong season in 2023, and that should translate to the 2024 NFL Draft. There is definitely a possibility that more than one Tiger ends up being a first-round pick.
A great look for the program.
