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Clemson Tigers in the pros: Ranking the 2016 season

By Anthony Messenger

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs with the ball during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs with the ball during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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2015 NFL Draft ACC football Clemson Vic Beasley Stephone Anthony
2015 NFL Draft ACC football Clemson Vic Beasley Stephone Anthony /

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2. DeAndre Hopkins (WR) Houston Texans

Nuk Hopkins is arguably the best wide receiver to ever come out of Clemson. Hopkins got off to a slow start in the NFL, however, he has really come on in the past two seasons. Houston hasn’t had any consistency at quarterback since the days of Matt Schaub, yet Hopkins continues to put up big numbers. This season Hopkins caught 78 passes for 954 yards and four touchdowns. Leading up to their game with the Texans this week, Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick called Hopkins a “Fitzgerald-type receiver” in reference to Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald.

Next: What if Chad Kelly had stayed at Clemson?

1. Vic Beasley Jr (DE/OLB) Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons had high expectations for Vic Beasley after drafting him 8th overall in the 2015 NFL draft. Unfortunately, Vic never seemed to get comfortable as a rookie recording just 26 total tackles and four sacks. Luckily for the Falcons, Vic Beasley was able to overcome his lackluster rookie season, to lead the NFL in sacks this year with 15.5. The former Clemson Tiger is the prototypical edge rusher, built more like an athletic linebacker than a defensive end. I expect the Falcons to move Beasley around this afternoon against the Seahawks in order to contain Russell Wilson. Up until this point Beasley has been the most dominant pass rusher in the NFL, hopefully he can continue to get after the quarterback in the playoffs.

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