While Clemson’s 2025 NFL Draft class is one of its weaker groups in recent memory—lacking a consensus top-100 prospect and featuring only two players with draftable grades, according to NFL Mock Draft Database—the Tigers’ 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in college football.
Entering the season, ten Clemson players hold draftable grades on my board, including two defenders with first-round projections. Leading this elite group is cornerback Avieon Terrell, who boasts some of the best ball skills in the 2026 NFL Draft. The class also features four defensive linemen with Day 1 or Day 2 grades, making Clemson’s front seven one of the most formidable in the nation.
On offense, quarterback Cade Klubnik headlines the unit following a significantly improved 2024 campaign. With this level of talent, Clemson is poised to be a top-five team and a legitimate contender for the National Championship.
2026 Clemson NFL Draft Prospects
Avieon Terrell, 5-11 180, CB
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 1st round
The highest-rated Clemson player on my board heading into the season is cornerback Avieon Terrell. What makes Terrell stand out is his well-rounded game. In pass coverage, he showcases elite quickness and reacts well to the ball, which contributed to his 13 pass breakups last season—the most by a Clemson player in a single season since 2014. He also possesses excellent fluidity, with a smooth backpedal and the ability to change directions effortlessly. Additionally, he was Pro Football Focus's highest-graded ACC cornerback against the run, displaying strong aggression in that area. However, one area he needs to clean up is his tendency to be too grabby in coverage, which resulted in seven penalties last season.
Clemson CB Avieon Terrell in Week 2:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 10, 2024
🐅 8 Times Targeted
🐅 2 Catches Allowed (17 Yards)
🐅 3 Pass Breakups
🐅 81.3 Coverage Grade@ClemsonFB pic.twitter.com/h6SOFBOATq
T.J. Parker, 6-3 265, DE
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 1st Round
T.J. Parker has been a dominant force for Clemson, posting incredible production in just two seasons with 32 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles. His elite traits make him a highly coveted prospect, earning him a first-round grade on my board. Parker's power stands out, as he excels at locking out blockers and driving offensive linemen backward with a strong bull rush. Additionally, he possesses impressive flexibility for his size, paired with a quick first step that allows him to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. His combination of strength, burst, and technique makes him one of the top defensive ends in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Peter Woods, 6-3 315, DT
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 2nd Round
I'm a bit lower on defensive tackle Peter Woods than some analysts, despite his recent recognition as the top defensive tackle in college football by Pro Football Focus. While I appreciate his strength and ability to control blockers, I currently grade him as a second-round prospect. My concerns stem from his lack of refinement, particularly in using his hands to shed blocks and his need to expand his repertoire of pass-rushing moves. Ideally, staying at defensive tackle this season will help him develop in these areas, potentially elevating his stock to a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Will Heldt, 6-6 265, DE
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 2nd Round
Clemson rarely turns to the transfer portal, but they made an exception for former Purdue standout Will Heldt, a 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end with a second-round NFL Draft grade. Despite being the focal point of opposing blocking schemes last season, he still recorded 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. Now, as part of Clemson’s outstanding defensive front, his production is expected to rise. Heldt’s elite length helps him hold up against the run, while his surprising agility allows him to shed blocks, rush the passer, and even drop into coverage when needed.
DeMonte Capehart, 6-5 315, DT
Preseason NFL Draft grade: 3rd round
DeMonte Capehart is a player who has yet to fully tap into his potential despite arriving at Clemson as the 35th-ranked recruit in his class, per 247Sports. His production has been limited, with just two career sacks and six starts over five seasons with the Tigers. However, his physical traits remain intriguing. Capehart possesses impressive strength, making him a dominant force against the run and difficult to move off the line of scrimmage. Additionally, his 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame gives him the ideal measurables for an NFL defensive tackle.
Cade Klubnik, 6-2 210, QB
Preseason NFL Draft grade: 3rd round
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik made significant strides in his development following a 2023 season where he posted a 63.9 Pro Football Focus passing grade, ranking 102nd in the FBS. Last season, Klubnik showed marked improvement in his pocket presence and his ability to read opposing defenses. He threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, ranking just behind Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. To take his game to the next level, Klubnik will need to continue refining his situational awareness and accuracy, particularly when under pressure and outside the pocket.
Blake Miller, 6-6 315, OT
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 6th Round
One of the key reasons Clemson enters the season as the favorite to win the ACC is the return of four of its five starting offensive linemen, with Blake Miller leading the group. Miller brings valuable experience, becoming the first Clemson player to start every game in his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons since Jim Bundren and Glenn Rountree (1994-97). Beyond his durability, he’s an underrated athlete with quick feet. However, his sixth-round draft grade stems from technical flaws, particularly in his footwork. He often takes poor angles, which causes him to lose balance and get knocked off position. Improving his technique will be crucial to raising his draft stock.
Wade Woodaz, 6-3 235, OLB
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 6th round
NFL coaches will appreciate Wade Woodaz for his leadership and character. He is a versatile defender who has played middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and even safety during his college career. He also stands out as one of the better coverage linebackers in the ACC, demonstrating fluid hips that allow him to turn and run effectively in coverage—earning a solid 79.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. However, his biggest concern as an NFL prospect is his average strength, which makes it difficult for him to shed blocks.
"He's a baller. He's a fun guy to coach and a fun guy to watch play because he plays the way you want everybody to play."Dabo Swinney on Wade Woodaz
Antonio Williams, 5-11 190, WR
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 6th Round
One of Cade Klubnik's top targets next season is All-ACC wide receiver Antonio Williams. A playmaker whenever he's on the field, Williams led the Tigers in both receptions and receiving yards as a true freshman. Last year, he built on that success, hauling in a team-high 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking seventh in the nation. As an NFL prospect, Williams projects as a slot receiver with the toughness to catch the ball in traffic. To improve his late Day 3 draft grade, he'll need to post an impressive 40-yard dash time and reduce the eight drops he recorded last season.
Khalil Barnes, Clemson
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 7th round
The final Tiger to make my preseason draft board is safety Khalil Barnes. His strongest asset is his nose for the football, as he has recorded seven interceptions over the past two seasons. However, if the junior declares for the draft after this season, he will likely be a late-round pick or even an undrafted free agent. His draft stock is hindered by his average speed, which causes him to get beat at times, as well as occasional struggles with wrapping up as a tackler.