In the eyes of the NFL, the Clemson brand is still gold.
In a new 2026 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, three of the Tigers' embattled defensive stars are still projected as first-round picks, proving that elite talent can transcend a catastrophic team performance.
As scouts praise Clemson's defense, the offense's failure is haunted by a painful "sliding doors" moment from the 2021 recruiting class.
Clemson's top QB target was the now projected top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Ty Simpson. When he committed to Alabama, the Tigers pivoted to Cade Klubnik. Both were elite, blue-chip prospects. The 2025 season has revealed the devastating difference an "ecosystem" makes.
- Ty Simpson, in Alabama's modern offense, is now a Heisman favorite. FOX's Joel Klatt raved that he's making "top-three draft pick" throws, and he's now being projected by many as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
- Cade Klubnik, in a "wobbling" Clemson system, is struggling as his team sits at 3-5. The separating factor, as one analyst put it, is that "Alabama asks its QB to be a point guard... Clemson has often asked its QB to be the offense."
Scouts Still Buying Clemson's D-Line
While the QB situation implodes, the defensive talent is undeniable. In the latest CBS mock, defensive end T.J. Parker lands at No. 11 overall to Washington.
This comes despite a massive production drop (just two sacks in 2025 after 16.5 in his first two years). NFL scouts, it seems, are betting on the "well-rounded skill set" and "ability to play the run with equal effectiveness," chalking the low numbers up to a broken system.
Defensive tackle Peter Woods lands at No. 16 overall to the Carolina Panthers. He's praised as a "bona fide instant-impact player" and "one of the most experienced and reliable prospects" in the draft.
Cornerback Avieon Terrell rounds out the trio, landing at No. 32 to the Colts. He's lauded for his "excellent instincts" and "sticky man-coverage" ability.
For a Clemson program in freefall, the message is clear: the system has failed, as evidenced by the "what if" scenario with Ty Simpson. But the individual talent on defense is so elite, it's going to get paid anyway.