ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid recently released his projections for every first-round pick in 2026.
Reid’s 2026 NFL mock draft has a trio of Clemson players being taken among the top 17 picks – defensive tackle Peter Woods, cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive end T.J. Parker.
Woods is a top-10 pick in Reid’s mock draft, going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the 10th overall selection.
“The Bengals could address their offensive line here, but Woods would provide a penetrating presence in the middle of the defense, too,” Reid wrote. “Cincinnati took edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 draft, and Woods could pair with him as a difference-maker on the inside as the Bengals build toward the future. Woods has only 0.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss this season, but his high-end traits should translate into an impact player at the next level.”
Reid then projects Terrell to be picked 16th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
“The Vikings have been better at cornerback than expected, with Byron Murphy Jr. and free agent hit Isaiah Rodgers standing out. But they’re still lacking long-term solutions on the outside,” Reid wrote. “Terrell — the younger brother of veteran Falcons corner A.J. Terrell Jr. — is a tough prospect with an ability to make plays on the ball. He would be a welcome addition to Brian Flores’ defense. Terrell has 24 pass breakups and three interceptions over three seasons.”
One pick after Terrell, Reid’s mock draft has Parker coming off the board and going to the Chicago Bears with the 17th overall pick.
“The Bears have struggled to generate a pass rush this season, as their team pass rush win rate of 28.2% is 30th in the NFL,” Reid wrote. “They need impactful rushers off the edge, and Parker is a power-based rusher with strong hands and a good initial burst. He has also been productive, with 18.5 career sacks — including 11 in 2024.”
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.