ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his first Big Board rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kiper gave his top 25 overall prospects, as well as his top prospects at each position.

Three Clemson players made Kiper’s top 25 overall – defensive tackle Peter Woods, defensive end T.J. Parker and cornerback Avieon Terrell.

Woods is ranked as Kiper’s No. 5 overall prospect, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore at No. 1, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 2, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 3 and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 4.

“Woods hasn’t been elite in 2025, but the skill set is exactly what NFL teams covet,” Kiper wrote. “He just needs to finish strong over the second half of the season. In the pros, Woods would fit nicely at 3-technique, though he has the versatility to move around on a defensive front. He plays on the inside the majority of the time, but he also can be disruptive off the edge. His strength will intrigue a lot of NFL teams no matter where he lines up.”

Parker, meanwhile, is ranked No. 15.

“Like teammate Peter Woods, Parker hasn’t been as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024… But there’s still a lot to like in Parker’s profile, and at his best, he’s a sack artist,” Kiper wrote. “He can play staying up or with his hand in the dirt, and he beats blockers with outstanding speed-to-power and active hands. I love Parker’s ability to make plays in pursuit; when his initial charge is thwarted, he redirects and quickly finds another way to pressure the QB.”

As for Terrell, he checks in two spots behind Parker at No. 17.

“Terrell is a proven cover man, much like his brother, A.J. Terrell Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons,” Kiper wrote. “Avieon is consistent and reliable in man coverage. He can flip his hips, turn and run with the fastest wideouts, and still be able to locate the ball in the air to make the play at the right moment.”

As far as Kiper’s position rankings, Woods is ranked as the No. 1 defensive tackle, while Kiper classifies Parker as the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect.

Terrell is Kiper’s second-ranked cornerback, behind Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy.

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

–Photo courtesy of George Walker IV / Tennessean.com