A couple of Clemson pros were recently named by ESPN as the best rookies for their respective NFL teams.

One of those former Tigers who was tabbed as his team’s top first-year player is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy.

After being drafted by the Bengals in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft (28th overall), Murphy has recorded 18 tackles (three for loss), three sacks and three quarterback hits in 15 games this season.

“Cincinnati’s first-round pick narrowly edges out CB DJ Turner, who has made 11 starts. That’s because Murphy has been in good form recently,” ESPN’s Ben Baby wrote. “Since Week 12, Murphy is second in the NFL among all rookies in pass rush win rate (22.2%). Murphy has three sacks, has increased his snap share and become a bigger part of Cincinnati’s rush rotation. That’s a good sign for a group that needs a young player to emerge alongside defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard.”

Murphy’s former Clemson defensive line mate and fellow 2023 first-round pick, Bryan Bresee, was pegged by ESPN as the best rookie for the New Orleans Saints.

Bresee — who was drafted by the Saints with the 29th overall pick, one pick after Murphy was taken — has posted 22 tackles (six for loss), 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits and six passes defended through 15 games.

“The Saints’ first-round pick has played in every game and has taken about half the defensive snaps as part of the overall rotation,” ESPN’s Katherine Terrell wrote. “He has 3.5 sacks — which is tied for ninth among rookies. Bresee almost gets this nod by default as the rest of the 2023 draft class hasn’t done much with the exception of S Jordan Howden, who has seven starts due to injuries.”

Bresee’s Saints (7-8) have a road matchup against the Buccaneers (8-7) in Week 17, while Murphy’s Bengals (8-7) play against the Chiefs (9-6) in Kansas City.

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.