Another 2026 NFL mock draft is loaded with Clemson stars.

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller gave his early predictions for all 32 picks in the first round of next year’s draft, and he projects five Tigers to be taken among the first 24 selections.

That includes four top-14 picks and three top-six picks, including the No. 1 overall pick – Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.  

Miller projected Klubnik to be the first name off the board, going to the Cleveland Browns.

“Spending two picks on quarterbacks in 2025 — Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth round) — shouldn’t prevent the Browns from looking for a long-term passer here,” Miller wrote. “Klubnik enters the season as my No. 1 QB. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions, highlighted by a gutsy performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff (336 passing yards, three TDs, one INT). Klubnik reminds me of Baker Mayfield — whom Cleveland selected with the No. 1 pick in 2018 — in terms of arm strength, mobility and playmaking awareness.”

Clemson’s only No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, to this point, is Trevor Lawrence in 2021.

Two picks after Klubnik, Miller has Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker going to the Tennessee Titans with the third overall pick.

“Tennessee has long needed a premier edge rusher, and Parker is definitely that,” Miller wrote. “Not only did the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior have 11 sacks last season, but he also forced six fumbles. He would be an ideal fit in the Titans’ 3-4 base defense thanks to his ability to play in space and rush from multiple alignments. His quickness off the corner is the best in the class when watching last season’s tape. While the Titans could use offensive help, Parker is the defensive menace they desire.”

Though the Carolina Panthers have never drafted a player from Clemson, Miller projected the Panthers to pick defensive tackle Peter Woods sixth overall.

“The Panthers bucked conventional wisdom with their 2025 first-rounder, eschewing a defense that finished last in EPA for wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick,” Miller wrote. “They did add edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, so now it’s time for them to get defensive tackle Derrick Brown some help. That’s where the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods comes in. He posted three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 games this season, and his quickness and leverage would be a welcome fit in Carolina’s revamped defense.”

Next up among Clemson players in Miller’s mock draft is wide receiver Antonio Williams (No. 14 to the Arizona Cardinals).

“The Cardinals got excellent value early in the 2025 draft, getting defensive tackle Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson later than each player was expected to go. But receiver is still an area of concern opposite 2024 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.,” Miller wrote. “Williams is my current WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024. At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Williams is a quick shifty wideout who has the ability to play outside and in the slot. That would make him an ideal complement to the bigger Harrison.”

Cornerback Avieon Terrell (No. 24 to the Cincinnati Bengals) rounds out the Clemson players in Miller’s mock draft.

“Defensive line could become the No. 1 need if the Bengals can’t resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract situations. But assuming cooler heads prevail, Cincinnati should concentrate on its secondary,” Miller wrote. “The Bengals have several young cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, but they’ve been held back by injuries and inconsistency. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes last season. His versatility, speed and production point to him being a value add late in Round 1.”

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The Clemson record for players taken in the first round of an NFL Draft came in 2019 when Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 to Raiders), Christian Wilkins (No. 13 to Dolphins) and Dexter Lawrence (No. 17 to Giants) were selected in the opening round.