Clemson Football: McFadden and Allen ready for the NFL

Clemson Football made coaches and players available to the media on Tuesday in Miami. The Tigers are preparing for their Orange Bowl clash with the Tennessee Volunteers this Friday.

We have been eager to hear which veteran players will be returning to Clemson for the 2023 season, and which players are going to forgo remaining eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. Myles Murphy and Trenton Simpson have already announced their intentions to go pro, but there are nearly a dozen more players that had not announced a decision.

We learned the plans of two more players on Tuesday. Offensive tackle Jordan McFadden and tight end Davis Allen will both be entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

McFadden just finished his fifth season in the Clemson program. He redshirted in 2018. Due to the NCAA’s COVID policies, McFadden had the option of returning to Clemson for one more season. McFadden was named an All-ACC player by multiple outlets in 2022, including first-team honors from the AP and Phil Steele.

Allen just completed his fourth season at Clemson, and likewise had one year of eligibility left. He saw immediate playing time as a freshman and quickly secured his place as a contributor. He was also honored with All-ACC nods by College Football Network and others.

Both McFadden and Allen would have been welcome returnees in 2023, but after full college careers, both of them are well prepared to begin their pro careers.

Clemson Football will miss both McFadden and Allen, but they are ready for the next level

McFadden, like many college tackles, might be more likely to play inside at either guard or center in the NFL. He has some versatility, which will make him attractive to NFL teams. With limited roster sizes, pro coaches like having big men who can fill multiple holes on the offensive line as routine injuries pile up during the season.

Often tight ends are seen as one of two things: a receiver or a blocker. In college, Allen has proven adept at both skills. It remains to be seen if the pros will view him the same way, but he has put enough tape of him blocking and receiving to make the argument that he can do both at the next level.

I think both McFadden and Allen can significantly help their draft stock with the NFL Combine and pro days this spring. If both test well, they could propel themselves into Day 2 picks. Regardless, they are both highly likely to hear their names called at the draft.