The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine officially begins Monday as many of the most coveted draft prospects get the chance to raise their stocks.
For six former Tigers, it’s a big week where they get to present what each could bring to an NFL roster. It’s a different situation for all of the Clmeson products, and here’s what each get to prove this week.
Nate Wiggins: Elite Athleticism
No one will argue how impressive Wiggins’ tape was from 2023. He was one of the best cornerbacks in the country and an All-ACC defender. That’s why he’s likely a first-round prospect.
This week is where he can solidify it. He’s 6-foot-2, and his speed was well-documented by teammates at Clemson. He can take that respect and prove it in both the 40-yard dash and cone drills. If Wiggins delivers strong marks, that unteachable factor could vault him directly into the first round.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: Match the Physicals with the Mental
What made Trotter so impressive as a Tiger was his instincts. He’s also an enforcer with his knack for hard hits.
At the next level, he has to take the knowledge as a football player and match it with the athleticism. Every drill and test is an extra opportunity for him to raise his stock beyond being an instinctive linebacker.
RB Will Shipley: Showcase of Speed
There’s a trend with these prospects. We know the tape is strong, especially for Shipley. He proved to beat nearly every first tackle attempt at Clemson, and that plus his physicality raises his stock.
Where there are questions is his home run threat. Shipley wasn’t known to take a 15-yard gain and turn it into a long touchdown with speed. Where he measures up in the 40-yard dash will be important as well as the pass-catching drills, something he improved on heavily during the 2023 season.
DE Xavier Thomas: Technicality
Thomas is different than the first three mentioned. He’s a gifted athlete and the shortcomings come in the details as an NFL prospect.
That said, he’s turned heads since the season ended and proving that he has a deep bag of tricks as a pass rusher at the combine would be huge for him. Defensive coaches tend to work closely in the positional drills, and that’s where he can make his mark this week.
DT Tyler Davis: Set Himself Apart
Every year, there are strong defensive tackle prospects. What sets them apart is the physical attributes. Davis fits the mold of an NFL defensive tackle, but he’ll need to display some extra athleticism this week.
Davis’ strength is evident, and that’s something he can reiterate on. Matching that with strong times in the 40 and other tests can raise his stock on Day 2.
DT Ruke Orhorhoro: Be a Physical Specimen
For a player who had the option to leave last season, his stock has risen and that decision paid off to spend another year as a Tiger.
He’s a big talent at 6-foot-4 and his ferociousness jumps off the tape. His technique could be a shortcoming, but that’s nothing an NFL team can’t coach up. Where he makes his difference is quickness and strength. Showing that in the position drills will prove he’s worthy of a second-round selection.