CLEMSON —The NFL Draft begins Thursday, and all 32 teams look to improve their rosters by adding college football's premier talent.
Still, the draft can be unpredictable for teams and prospects. There can be a blockbuster trade that shifts every team's draft board. There can be a run of picks made for one position group while another isn't selected for a span. A projected Day 2 prospect can go in the first round or a projected first-round selection can fall to Round 2 or 3.
Because of the uncertainty, here are the best- and worst-case scenarios for Clemson football's top prospects:
Nate Wiggins draft projection: Best and worst scenario
The 6-foot-2 defensive back is Clemson's top prospect in this draft. He had three interceptions, two forced fumbles, 22 pass deflections and 58 tackles as the Tigers' two-year starter in 23 games. At the NFL scouting combine, he ran the40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds,fastest among the cornerbacks.
Wiggins is a lengthy, athletic and physical cornerback, who boasts strong technique and natural defensive instincts in coverage. A concern for the Atlanta native is his frame. Wiggins weighed 173 at the combine but had bulked up to 182 at Clemson's pro day about two weeks later. Another concern is his physicality and willingness to tackle as a run defender.
Best: Selected 15th overall by the Indianapolis Colts
Worst: Selected in Round 2
MORE:Where will Clemson football's Nate Wiggins go in 2024 NFL draft? Here are top 5 landing spots
Ruke Orhorhoro draft projection: Best and worst scenario
Orhororo is one of the best run defenders in his position group in this draft class. He accumulated 25 tackles (eight for loss) and five sacks in 2023 at Clemson andexceeded expectations at the NFL Combine, which helped him climb mock drafts.
The Nigeria native has played everywhere across the Tigers' defensive line and has been a reliable run stopper. There's room for improvement in his pass-rushing and against double teams, which can be developed by a team.
Best: Selected in Round 2
Worst: Selected in Round 5
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. draft projection: Best and worst scenario
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enters the draft as the sixth Butkus Award finalist inClemson history. He is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who played 11 seasons in the NFL. The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker led Clemson in tackles in back-to-back seasons.
During his two seasons as a starter, Trotter recorded 177 tackles, including 28.5 for loss (13 sacks), and had 14 pass breakups and four interceptions. Compared to the other middle linebackers in the class, he lacks size, length and explosiveness. Still, his on-field IQ helps him stand out, putting himself in position to make plays.
Best: Selected in Round 2
Worst: Selected in Round 6
MORE:Where will Clemson LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. go in NFL draft? Top 5 landing spots
Will Shipley draft projection: Best and worst scenario
Shipley is Clemson's top offensive prospect in the draft after spending three seasons with the Tigers. The 5-foot-11 back is top 10 in school history in touchdowns (33), 100-yard rushing games (10) and all-purpose yards (4,253). He ran 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash atClemson’s pro day, which would have ranked him third among backs at the combine.
Shipley's value is in his versatility: He can play running back, receiver and on special teams as a kick returner. His lack of strength and power could cause him to fall, since both are needed as a ball carrier and pass blocker in the NFL.
Best: Selected in Round 3
Worst: Selected in Round 6
MORE:Where will Clemson RB Will Shipley go in NFL draft? Top 5 landing spots
Xavier Thomas draft projection: Best and worst scenario
Thomas is an intriguing prospect because his placement on mock drafts varies. He played for the Tigers for six seasons, logging 121 tackles (34 for loss, including 17.5 sacks) and seven pass deflections. After he ran the 40 in 4.62 seconds at the NFL combine, he ran 4.56 atClemson's pro day, which would have ranked third among defensive ends at the combine.
Thomas, 24, won't be a young rookie, and there's room for improvement on setting the edge and adding more counters to his technique. Still, he can be picked as early as Day 2 because he is a natural, explosive edge rusher with quickness and a high motor.
Best: Selected in Round 2
Worst: Selected in Round 6
MORE:Top five NFL draft landing spots for Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis
Tyler Davis draft projection: Best and worst scenario
After five seasons at Clemson, Davis entered the draft as the first Tigers defensive player to be a four-time All-ACC selection. In 56 career games (52 starts), he logged 144 tackles (29.5 for loss), 16 sacks and three pass deflections. At the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Davis tied for second among defensive tackles in the bench press with 29 reps.
Davis' measurables are a concern as they are not prototypical at his position and have limited his pass-rushing ability and block shedding. Still, he has compensated for those issues by using his strength, leverage and IQ.
Best: Selected in Round 4
Worst: Selected in Round 7
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him atdcarter@gannett.comand follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
