Clemson Football: 5 draft eligible Tigers that should return for one more season

Five draft eligible Clemson football players who should return for one more season

The Clemson football program has seen its fair share of players have success at the next level over the course of the last decade and that will continue to be the case with this senior class.

The Clemson football senior class finished off its run in Death Valley with an undefeated record at home (a Clemson record) and the class has already become one of the most decorated classes in Tiger history.

As we begin to look ahead to next season just a little bit, though, things are going to be more different than ever before. This 2020 season didn’t count against anyone’s eligibility, meaning that we will see seniors return for one more year and we will still see juniors leave to enter the NFL Draft.

Looking at what Clemson football players might return, we decided to take a look at five Tigers (both juniors and seniors) who have had their names mentioned in NFL Draft talk, but have a decision to make.

Here are five draft eligible Tigers who should return for one more season.

5. Xavier Thomas

When Xavier Thomas has been on the field, he has made a pretty noticeable impact. He has been the Tigers’ most consistent pass-rusher in my opinion and has looked explosive in doing so (even though he’s not yet back in his playing weight).

Thomas has hinted that he might want to go ahead and test the waters in the NFL, but a season back in the Clemson football program would allow him to get fully healthy and become the focal point of the defense. Think names like Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson when talking about what Thomas could do with one more season if he were to get healthy and show that focus for a full season.

Thomas has an explosive step to him that other pass-rushers that we’ve seen in the past don’t have. That’s what makes him special and there’s no doubt he could potentially work himself into a top-10 draft pick with another year in the program.