ESPN Analyst’s 7-Round Mock Draft Features 8 Tigers
By: Gavin Oliver April 21, 2026

With the 2026 NFL Draft set to get underway Thursday, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid released his final, seven-round mock draft.

There are 257 total picks in this year’s draft, and Reid projects eight Clemson players to be selected among the first 195 picks – two in the first round, two in the second round, and one each in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.

Reid predicts offensive tackle Blake Miller to be the first Tiger off the board, going to the Cleveland Browns in the first round with the No. 24 overall pick.

“Browns QBs were pressured on an NFL-worst 39% of pass plays last season and sacked on 8.0% of dropbacks (26th in NFL),” Reid wrote. “Miller is a rock-solid option with a lot of experience (54 career starts). He is tough and has the strength to start immediately at right tackle. Opting to take the WR first and wait on the tackle in this scenario would pay dividends, as the Browns would get in on the upcoming run of tackles early. I’m interested to see GM Andrew Berry’s plan if the inverse scenario happens on draft night.”

Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) during the second quarter of the Tigers’ game vs. Syracuse on September 20, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider)

Reid projects Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker to hear his name called one pick later, as the 25th overall pick of the Chicago Bears.

 “After an underwhelming season with five sacks (three coming in the regular-season finale), Parker was able to revive his draft stock with a strong predraft process,” Reid wrote. “His game centers around pure strength, as Parker is a power rusher who can overwhelm blockers at the point of attack. The Bears need pass-rush help, and Parker would be a complementary No. 2 rusher opposite Montez Sweat.”

Reid sees both Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods and cornerback Avieon Terrell as early second-round picks, with Woods going 37th overall to the New York Giants and then Terrell being taken two picks later (No. 39 overall to the Browns).

“Even prior to trading Dexter Lawrence II to Cincinnati, interior defensive line was a clear need for the Giants. Woods was viewed as a top-15 player entering last season, but every team I’ve talked to sees him as a Day 2 prospect now. He’d bring plenty of explosiveness to the Giants’ interior,” Reid wrote.

“Terrell has been battling a hamstring injury during the predraft process that will likely cause him to fall out of Round 1. The Browns would be the beneficiary and add a player who has the flexibility to play outside corner and nickel.”

Reid has Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams flying to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 68th overall selection (fourth pick of the third round).

“With the A.J. Brown situation unresolved, the Eagles’ receivers room needs more depth. Williams is a dynamic playmaker who will likely be a slot at the next level,” Reid wrote.

Reid’s mock draft also features a trio of other Tigers — defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, running back Adam Randall and quarterback Cade Klubnik – coming off the board in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, respectively.

Reid has Capehart going to the Green Bay Packers (No. 120 overall), Randall going to the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 176 overall) and Klubnik going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 195 overall).

The 2026 NFL Draft will get underway with the first round on Thursday, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday and then rounds 4-7 on Saturday.