Another new 2026 NFL mock draft has lots of Clemson flavor.
Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling gave his early predictions for all 32 picks in the first round of next year’s draft, and his mock draft is loaded with Clemson stars.
Easterling projects five Tigers to hear their names called in the first round, including two among the top five picks and three in the top six.
Easterling sees Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, defensive end T.J. Parker and quarterback Cade Klubnik coming off the board with consecutive selections.
First, Easterling has Woods going to the New York Giants with the fourth overall pick, followed by Parker to the Tennessee Titans with the fifth overall pick and Klubnik to the Indianapolis Colts with the sixth overall pick.
“The G-Men already have some formidable weapons along their defensive front, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding another one in Woods, who would team up with Dexter Lawrence to give them one of the most dominant interiors in the entire NFL,” Easterling wrote.
“I wouldn’t count out Ohio State safety Caleb Downs here [for the Titans at No. 5], but for most teams, finding an elite edge rusher is going to take priority over a top-end safety prospect. Parker is an explosive defender who can win with both speed and power off the edge.”
Added Easterling of Klubnik to the Colts: “Unless Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones prove to be something they’ve yet to show us as starting quarterbacks, the Colts will be in the market for a new one next year. Klubnik made huge strides last year in every area of his game, and continued development could make him a top-10 pick.”
Easterling also projected the Kansas City Chiefs to pick Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with the 29th overall pick, and Clemson receiver Antonio Williams to land with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 31.
“Trent McDuffie keeps proving that being undersized doesn’t have to keep you from being a high-impact corner at the next level. The Chiefs could try to strike lightning twice at the position with Terrell, who makes up for his smaller frame with fluid movement skills and playmaking instincts,” Easterling wrote.
“Jalen Hurts already has a dynamic pass-catching duo with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles could use an upgrade at the WR3 spot. Williams is an undersized but dynamic receiver who can create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch, and could be a strong value this late.”
If the Tigers were to have five first-round picks as Easterling predicted, that would break the Clemson record for players taken in the first round of an NFL Draft, as that record (three) 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.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.