This week, a national writer released his annual list of the top 100 NFL players.

A trio of former Clemson Tigers appeared in CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco’s list of the best 100 players in the league entering the 2024 season.

Leading the way among the NFL Tigers is New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who moved up to No. 19 on Prisco’s list after being ranked No. 34 last season.

Lawrence’s fifth season as a pro in 2023 was another stellar one, as he collected his second consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder was dominant over 16 games last season, when he stuffed the stat sheet while racking up 21 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, 53 tackles (32 solo), seven tackles for loss, two passes defended and 60-plus total pressures.

“He is a massive man in the middle of the New York defense who makes it tough to run inside,” Prisco wrote. “But he is also a power pass rusher inside who can really push the pocket, which makes him far more than just a one-dimensional run stuffer.”

The next-highest ranked Clemson pro is Trevor Lawrence. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ franchise quarterback and 2021 No. 1 overall pick dropped to No. 62 following his No. 23 ranking a year ago.

Lawrence is fresh off receiving a five-year, $275 million extension with the Jags that includes $200 million guaranteed ($142 million at signing).

A 2022 Pro Bowler, Lawrence battled through multiple injuries in 2023 but only missed one game (the first missed game of his NFL career) last season, when he completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.

“His 2023 season was a disappointment for a lot of reasons, including injury,” Prio wrote. “He threw 21 touchdown passes and 14 picks as he pressed at times. I think he bounces back — with a hefty new contract — and has an MVP-type of season that will vault him up this list.”

Rounding out the former Tigers in Prisco’s ranking is Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who came in at No. 78 after being ranked No. 74 last season.

This offseason, Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders that includes $84.75 million guaranteed.

It’s a well-deserved contract for Wilkins, who of course spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. Last season, he tallied 65 total tackles (10 for loss), 23 quarterback hits, two passes defended, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries to go with nine sacks – double his previous career-high of 4.5 sacks in 2021.

“He is a disruptive inside player who signed with the Raiders after five impressive seasons with the Dolphins,” Prisco wrote. “He has the ability to pressure inside, while also being good against the run.”

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