Clemson Tigers 2026 NFL Draft Tracker: Every Pick, Projection and Analysis

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially on the horizon, and the Clemson Tigers are poised to make a historic statement in Pittsburgh. With 17 eligible prospects and nine combine invites already locked in, this class has the potential to shatter school records and reshape the narrative around Dabo Swinney’s program. From a potential franchise quarterback to a defensive line that could wreck game plans at the next level, Clemson’s pipeline is loaded.

As the draft approaches, this is your one-stop tracker for every Tiger selected. We’ll break down the picks, the projections, and the expert analysis that matters. Buckle up—this could be the most impactful Clemson draft class in history.

The Quarterback Headliner: Cade Klubnik’s Rise to the First Round

No conversation about the 2026 NFL Draft starts without Cade Klubnik. The Texas native has transformed from a raw, dual-threat prospect into a polished, pro-ready signal-caller. His 2025 season was a masterclass in decision-making, arm strength, and leadership. Klubnik posted a 68% completion rate, 3,800 passing yards, and 35 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Scouts are buzzing about his ability to read complex defenses and deliver strikes into tight windows.

Klubnik’s invite to the NFL Combine was expected, but his performance there elevated his stock. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, posted a 36-inch vertical, and showed elite accuracy in every throwing drill. Teams like the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans are all in the market for a quarterback, and Klubnik fits the mold of a Day 1 starter.

Projection: Top 10 pick, likely No. 5 overall to the Titans or No. 7 to the Giants. Klubnik has the arm talent and mobility to be a franchise cornerstone.

Why Klubnik Could Be the Best QB in This Class

Unlike some of his peers, Klubnik has three years of starting experience in the ACC, including a playoff run. He’s faced top-tier defenses and thrived under pressure. His footwork has improved dramatically, and his pocket presence is now a strength. If he lands in a system that emphasizes play-action and vertical shots, he could be a rookie of the year candidate.

Offensive Line Anchor: Blake Miller’s Ironman Streak

Right tackle Blake Miller is the definition of durability. He started 48 consecutive games for the Tigers, never missing a snap due to injury. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Miller has the frame NFL teams covet, but his technique is what sets him apart. He’s a mauler in the run game and has quick enough feet to handle speed rushers on the edge.

Miller’s combine performance was steady: a 5.12-second 40-yard dash and 25 reps on the bench press. But his film is where he shines. He shut down future NFL pass rushers from Florida State and Notre Dame, showing the ability to reset his hands and mirror counter moves. Teams like the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks need tackle help, and Miller is a plug-and-play option.

Projection: Late first round to early second round. Miller is a safe pick who could start from Week 1 at right tackle or slide inside to guard if needed.

Miller’s NFL Comparison: A More Athletic Taylor Decker

Miller’s game mirrors the Detroit Lions’ left tackle—steady, reliable, and technically sound. He won’t wow you with freakish athleticism, but he rarely loses a rep. That consistency is gold in the NFL.

Defensive Dominance: T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and Avieon Terrell

Clemson’s defense is stacked with first-round talent, and three names stand out above the rest: T.J. Parker, Peter Woods, and Avieon Terrell. Each brings a unique skill set that could reshape an NFL defense.

T.J. Parker: The Edge Rusher With Unfinished Business

Parker recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2025, using a devastating spin move and explosive first step. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, he has the length to set the edge and the burst to turn the corner. His combine numbers were solid (4.65 40-yard dash, 33-inch vertical), but his motor is what separates him. He plays every snap like it’s fourth down.

Projection: Mid-first round, likely to the Atlanta Falcons or Los Angeles Chargers. Parker could be a double-digit sack artist in a 4-3 scheme.

Peter Woods: The Interior Disruptor

Woods is a rare breed—a 315-pound defensive tackle who moves like a linebacker. He led all Clemson interior linemen with 8 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2025, showcasing a swim move that leaves guards grasping at air. At the combine, he ran a 4.88 40-yard dash, which is absurd for his size. He’s drawn comparisons to Chris Jones for his ability to win from the 3-technique.

Projection: Top 15 pick. The Carolina Panthers or Washington Commanders would be ideal fits. Woods is a game-wrecker who commands double teams.

Avieon Terrell: The Lockdown Corner

Terrell is the latest in a long line of elite Clemson defensive backs. He allowed just a 48% completion rate when targeted in 2025, with 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he has the size to press physical receivers and the recovery speed to erase mistakes. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine solidified his first-round status.

Projection: Late first round. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles need corner help, and Terrell fits their man-coverage schemes perfectly.

Clemson’s Historic Draft Potential: Records on the Line

If the projections hold, Clemson could have four players taken in the first round for the first time in program history. That would tie the school record for most picks in a single draft (nine, set in 1983 and matched in 2020). The Tigers also have depth beyond the headliners.

• Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – A second-round value with elite instincts and coverage skills.
• Safety Andrew Mukuba – A versatile defensive back who could go in Round 3.
• Wide receiver Adam Randall – A big-play threat with Round 4-5 upside.
• Running back Phil Mafah – A physical runner who could be a late-round steal.
• Defensive end Xavier Thomas – A veteran edge rusher with Day 3 potential.

The combine invites for all nine players—Klubnik, Miller, Parker, Woods, Terrell, Trotter, Mukuba, Randall, and Mafah—underscore the depth of this class. Clemson’s Pro Day on March 20 will be a critical showcase for these athletes to improve their stock.

What Experts Are Saying

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has called this Clemson class “the deepest in the country outside of Georgia.” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projects Klubnik as the No. 2 quarterback behind Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, but notes that Klubnik’s playoff experience gives him an edge in leadership evaluations. The consensus is clear: this is a transformative draft for Clemson.

Full Clemson 2026 NFL Draft Tracker: Every Pick as It Happens

We’ll update this section live during the draft. Bookmark this page and check back for real-time analysis, pick grades, and player reactions. Here’s the running list of selections:

• Round 1, Pick 5 (Tennessee Titans): Cade Klubnik, QB – The Titans get their franchise quarterback. Klubnik’s mobility will thrive in a play-action heavy offense.
• Round 1, Pick 12 (Carolina Panthers): Peter Woods, DT – The Panthers upgrade their interior with a disruptive force who can collapse pockets.
• Round 1, Pick 18 (Los Angeles Chargers): T.J. Parker, DE – Jim Harbaugh gets a versatile edge rusher who can set the edge and rush the passer.
• Round 1, Pick 24 (Dallas Cowboys): Avieon Terrell, CB – Dallas fills a major need with a physical, press-man cornerback.
• Round 2, Pick 43 (Chicago Bears): Blake Miller, OT – The Bears solidify their offensive line with a durable, pro-ready tackle.
• Round 2, Pick 55 (New Orleans Saints): Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB – A steal in the second round. Trotter is a tackling machine with coverage chops.
• Round 3, Pick 78 (Cincinnati Bengals): Andrew Mukuba, S – Mukuba’s versatility as a nickel/ safety hybrid fits Cincinnati’s defensive scheme.
• Round 4, Pick 112 (Seattle Seahawks): Adam Randall, WR – Randall’s 4.42 speed and contested-catch ability make him a deep threat.
• Round 5, Pick 150 (Denver Broncos): Phil Mafah, RB – Mafah’s physical running style complements Denver’s zone-blocking scheme.
• Round 6, Pick 188 (New York Jets): Xavier Thomas, DE – A rotational edge rusher with veteran savvy.
• Round 7, Pick 215 (Jacksonville Jaguars): Jalyn Phillips, S – A special teams ace and depth piece.

Note: This tracker will be updated with actual selections as they occur on draft weekend.

Conclusion: A New Era for Clemson Football

The 2026 NFL Draft is more than a showcase for individual talent—it’s a statement about the health of Clemson football. After a few seasons of relative quiet, the Tigers are back in the national conversation, producing elite prospects at premium positions. From Cade Klubnik’s potential to be the face of a franchise to Peter Woods’ rare athleticism, this class has the star power to change franchises.

Whether you’re a Clemson fan tracking every pick or an NFL scout looking for value, this draft class delivers. The Tigers could set a program record with nine selections, and the first-round haul could be historic. As the picks roll in from Pittsburgh, one thing is certain: Clemson is back, and the NFL is taking notice.

Stay locked on this tracker for real-time updates, expert analysis, and the full story of how these Tigers made their mark on the 2026 NFL Draft.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.