CLEMSON — The NFL draft begins April 24, and seven former Clemson football players hope to hear their names announced by commissioner Roger Goodell or to receive a call from one of 32 teams.
Linebacker Barrett Carter is the Tigers’ top prospect in this draft. Running back Phil Mafah hopes to be drafted and developed like running back WIll Shipley, who helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl last season. Defensive tackle Payton Page and safety R.J. Mickens aim to continue the legacy of dominant Clemson defensive players in the league.
With draft day three days away, here are the best fits for all seven Clemson players:
The Colts did not resign linebacker E.J. Speed and special-teamer Grant Stuard, leaving a void of talent in their linebacker room. Indianapolis adding Carter, Clemson’s top draft prospect, will inject capable depth and a player who can create competition in the room.
Carter (6-foot, 231 pounds) finished his college career with 233 tackles, including 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 21 pass breakups and three interceptions. He ran 4.64 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Clemson’s pro day, which would have ranked in the top 15 among linebackers at the scouting combine.
The Panthers have never drafted a Clemson player but can change that with the addition of Mickens. They added Tre’von Moehrig via free agency to their safety room, but they have only two other safeties.
Carolina drafting Mickens, a seasoned collegiate player who comes from an NFL background, would add size, length and instincts to the unit. He recorded career highs in tackles (77) and pass deflections (nine) last season and ran 4.49 in the 40 at the combine.
Jake Briningstool to Denver Broncos in Round 6
Denver signed Evan Engram in free agency, but it needs another capable pass-catching tight end if Engram misses time or to take over in the coming years. Jake Briningstool fits this billing, recording 49 receptions for 530 yards with seven touchdowns in 2024 with Clemson.
Briningstool’s 6-6 size makes him a favorable matchup in the red zone and can develop into an NFL-level pass catcher under coach Sean Payton.
Marcus Tate to Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 7
One of Pittsburgh’s Day 3 needs is an offensive lineman, and Marcus Tate would be an ideal candidate. He was a four-year starter for Clemson, allowing one sack (the fewest of his career) and 13 pressures (the most) in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
Tate has battled injuries in each of the past three seasons, but he is a development player who hasn’t reached his full potential yet.
Phil Mafah to Baltimore Ravens in Round 7
Baltimore is always looking to add a running back next to quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Mafah can be a late-round pick who can blossom in its offense. He is a tough, hard-nosed runner who in 2024 eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
Payton Page to Detroit Lions in Round 7
Detroit has a solid defensive-tackle rotation, but injuries have devastated the unit. It can take Payton Page, who became a defensive tackle starter for Clemson in 2024. He logged 32 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, two pass deflections and one interception last season and has a low number of snaps that can be an asset for a unit’s depth.
Aidan Swanson undrafted
Aidan 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 cornerback Nate 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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