CLEMSON — Clemson football had six players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft with cornerback Nate Wiggins going in the first round to the Baltimore Ravens.
This year, the Tigers could have seven players selected in the NFL draft on April 24-26. Clemson won the ACC championship and returned to the College Football Playoff in 2024 after a three-year absence. Its draft-eligible players, including linebacker Barrett Carter, tight end Jake Briningstool and running back Phil Mafah, played a critical role in its reemergence, and NFL teams have been interested in acquiring their talents.
Here are the best fits for the top Clemson players in the NFL draft:
Barrett Carter to the Baltimore Ravens in Round 3
Carter is Clemson’s top draft prospect this spring, finishing his college career with 233 tackles, including 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 21 pass breakups and three interceptions. The 6-foot, 231-pound linebacker ran 4.64 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Clemson’s pro day, which would have ranked in the top 15 of linebackers at the scouting combine.
Carter has a nose for the football and the athleticism to cover running backs out the backfield, and the Ravens need to add a linebacker to replace Patrick Queen, whose absence was felt last season.
Briningstool recorded 49 receptions for 530 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his final season. He is a pass-catching threat and his 6-6 size makes him a favorable matchup in the red zone. He logged 4.75 seconds in the 40, which ranked in the top 10 of tight ends, and is a capable run and pass blocker.
The Packers are led by coach Matt LaFleur, who is one of the best offensive schematic coaches. They can draft Briningstool to develop him behind a crowded tight end room and use him in various sets to maximize the offense.
Marcus Tate to Baltimore Ravens in Round 5
Tate was a four-year offensive lineman starter for Clemson, logging over 2,500 offensive snaps in 42 games. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one sack (the fewest of his career) and 13 pressures (the most) last season. He has also battled injuries in each of the past three seasons that limited his full potential.
The Ravens need to continue adding and developing capable protection around quarterback Lamar Jackson, and adding Tate would achieve this.
Mickens spent five seasons with Clemson at safety and saved his best year for last, recording career highs in tackles (77) and pass deflections (nine). He had questions about his speed but quieted doubters after running 4.49 in the 40 at the combine. He also comes from an NFL background and has the size, length and instincts to help defenses.
The Eagles traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the offseason, which created a void at safety. They will likely trust one of their depth players to fill in, but adding Mickens will bring experienced youth to the position group.
Page became a defensive tackle starter for Clemson in his final season to log 32 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, two pass deflections and one interception. During his time in college, he transformed himself, cutting his weight down from 400 pounds to 300. Despite being a one-year starter, he possesses quickness and strength to add to a defensive line.
The Chargers lost defensive tackle Poona Ford, a key contributor last season, and will need to add long-term players who can play at defensive tackle. Los Angeles taking Page is a way to address this need.
Phil Mafah to Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 7
Mafah eclipsed over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time of his career in 2024. He is a tough, hard-nosed runner who can punish defenders and carries sneaky acceleration to finish runs. A concern is his pass-catching ability though, never exceeding 110 receiving yards in his four-year career.
The Steelers need to add a power back after losing Najee Harris. They added Kenneth Gainwell to join Jaylen Warren, but both aren’t physical backs. Pittsburgh drafting Mafah in the seventh round could be a steal and pay dividends.
Aidan Swanson undrafted
Swanson spent six seasons with Clemson, becoming its starting punter in 2022. As a starter, he recorded 63 punts inside the 20-yard line and had a punting average over 41 yards in each season. Swanson will likely sign with one of 32 NFL teams after the draft to compete for a starting job.
Top Clemson NFL draft prospects over the past five years
Clemson has had 26 players (15 on defense; 11 on offense) selected in the NFL Draft since 2020.
Seven players have been first-round picks: quarterback Trevor Lawrence (2021, first overall), linebacker Isaiah Simmons (2020, eighth overall), cornerback A.J. Terrell (2020, 16th overall), running back Travis Etienne (2021, 25th overall), defensive end Myles Murphy (2023, 28th overall), defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (2023, 29th overall) and Wiggins (2024, 30th).
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
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