Clemson's NFL prospects spark differing opinions heading into 2024 draft (2024)

CLEMSON— Clemson continues to move four- and five-star recruits through its pipeline and into the NFL, but the Tigers have seen a drop in draft value since Trevor Lawrence was taken No.1 overall in 2021.

Andrew Booth Jr., a former five-star cornerback, was Clemson's first pick off the board—at No. 42 overall—in 2022.

In 2023, a pair of former five-star defensive line recruits, Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee, didn't slip out of the first round. But they almost did, taken back-to-back at No. 28 and 29. Trenton Simpson, who started the draft cycle as a projected first-rounder, slipped to the third round.

For whatever reason, Clemson has found itself in a habit of exporting polarizing talents. That seems to be the case, again, as this year's April 25-27 draft approaches. Here are the Tigers' top prospects, along with experts' evaluations.

CB Nate Wiggins

Wiggins is the highest-rated of the bunch, anointed as the draft's No. 24 overall prospect by both The Athletic's Dane Brugler and Pro Football Focus. But NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah isn't as sold, slotting Wiggins at No. 36.

What's the knock on a 6-foot-2 corner with 4.28-second 40-yard dash speed?

Jeremiah admits Wiggins is "dripping with athleticism" but also notes concentration lapses in coverage where Wiggins will "peek back" at the QB and lose position. He doesn'tthink Wiggins was "invested" in defending the run, either. At 173 pounds, he needs to develop physicality.

"Wiggins’ slight frame and suspect play strength are legitimate concerns, but he is a fast and fluid athlete with the cover awareness and on-ball production to be a starting perimeter corner in the NFL," Brugler writes, comparing Wiggins to ex-NFL corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The consensus still seems to be Wiggins is a first-rounder. But it's not a lock.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro

Orhorhoro has always been viewed as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick because his NFL potential outpaces his college production. That's remained consistent.

Brugler is the most bullish on the 6-4, 294-pound defensive tackle, rating him as the No. 51 overall prospect in the draft. Orhorhoro's pass-rush instincts and finishing skills could use polish, Brugler says, but his movement skills (4.89 40-yard dash) and "force at contact" remain intriguing.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah has Orhorhoro at No. 62 and PFF slots him at No. 67. He's the least polarizing Tigers prospect, it seems, and it would be a surprise ifOrhorhoroslipped past the third round with his versatility and upside.

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Trotter has been one of Clemson's most productive defenders, racking up 177 tackles in his last two seasons. Plus, he has the same name as an All-Pro, which leaves no one questioning Trotter's football IQ.

But draft analysts do question whether the 6-foot, 228-pounder has the size and athleticism to play at the next level. Brugler doesn't have Trotter among his top 100 prospects, noting lower-body tightness and "limitations in space" which NFL athletes could expose.

PFF is the more optimistic, rating Trotter at No. 96 overall, but Jeremiah slots Trotter at No. 115. It's entirely possible a multi-time All-American linebacker isn't taken until the third or fourth round.

RB Will Shipley

Brugler clearly thinks Shipley has some good qualities, describing the 5-11, 206-pound rusher as someone who plays with "competitive urgency" and has the mentality of an "early-down grinder" as he churns for extra yards.

The issue for Shipley, however, is the NFL has more rushers than it needs.

The depth and subsequent devaluation of the position is reflected in analysts' projections for Shipley. Jeremiah likes him the most, slotting the Tigers' rusher as the No. 92 overall prospect. But he's just the 10th-best running back in Brugler's rankings and PFF has him at No. 13 (and No. 145 overall).

There is a chance a team falls in love with Shipley, either for his pass-catching abilities or his intangibles. But there seems to be a range of opinions on where he might land, partially because there are so many other draftable prospects.

DE Xavier Thomas

Thomas might be the most polarizing prospect of all, and for good reason.

He was a five-star recruit who exploded out of the gate of his Clemson career, only to stumble over physical and mental hurdles. He finally put together a complete season as a sixth-year senior, flashing his get-off at the line witha team-high 43 pressures. But Thomas only notched three sacks.

Some remain enamored with XT's athleticism, especially after he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds at 6-2, 253 pounds on pro day. PFF has Thomas as its No. 10 "edge" and No. 83 overall prospect. But that's an outlier.

Jeremiah ranked Thomas as the No. 15 edge and No. 137 overall prospect. Brugler considers Clemson's super-seniorto be the draft's 19th-best pass-rushing prospect, describing Thomas' body of work as "hot and cold."

It's entirely possible Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis, more technically sound than flashy, leapfrogs Thomas. Davis is listed as PFF's No. 158 prospect.

On the other hand, Thomas could fly up draft boards, past Trotter and Shipley, if a team believes in his pass-rushing skill. There's a lot of volatility here.