Pro Football Focus published its 2024 NFL free agency rankings this week, stacking up the top 200 players slated to hit free agency, and a bunch of Clemson pros made the list – including a trio among the top 20 players.
The highest-ranked of the former Tigers is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins at No. 4.
“Injuries hampered almost the entire 2023 season for Higgins after his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2022 with a receiving grade above 75.0,” PFF wrote. “A franchise tag already seemed likely heading into this season, and with little new data to impact the negotiation either way, that seems inevitable. The field-stretching, jump-ball receiver should have the chance to bounce back in 2024 along with the entire Bengals team following a disappointing campaign.”
Miami Dolphins defensive lineman and former Clemson star Christian Wilkins is just a few spots behind Higgins, coming in at No. 7.
“Wilkins hoped to get an extension done before the 2023 season but didn’t let the lack of one amid many at the position slow him down,” PFF wrote. “Wilkins is as good a run defender as any interior defensive lineman in the NFL, setting career highs in every pass-rushing category this season — including pass-rush win rate, pressure rate, sacks, quarterback hits and pressures.”
Another former Tiger defensive lineman, Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader, appears at No. 19 on the list.
“Only injuries slowed Reader down in Cincinnati,” PFF wrote. “Otherwise, he was a dominant force on the interior of a talented defensive line that was able to control the line of scrimmage and win big games up front over the past few seasons. The eighth-year pro was the anchor in the middle. Reader is as stout as they come and nearly impossible to displace by just one blocker. And while he’ll never fill up the stat sheet with sacks, he can push the pocket and free up teammates as well as any nose tackle.
“Reader, unfortunately, suffered a torn quadriceps injury in Week 15 that knocked him out for the remainder of the season. We will await more details on the recovery process before changing his projection, but the injury could obviously impact his market.”
Three other Clemson pros were named among the top 200 free agents by PFF, including Baltimore Ravens offensive guard John Simpson (No. 110), San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (No. 163) and Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (No. 170).
“There are times when Simpson gets over his skis a bit in space,” PFF wrote, “but if he keeps his feet under him and finds the chest of a defender, he has some pulling reps on tape where he launches linebackers/defensive backs to Neptune.”
NFL free agency is right around the corner and begins on March 11, when negotiations can take place, and then contracts can be signed starting on March 13.
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