The 2025 Clemson football season is a dumpster fire. The team is 3-5, bowl eligibility is a legitimate question, and the program is facing a historic identity crisis.
But in the eyes of the NFL, the Clemson brand is still producing diamonds.
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.
The 'Productive' Pass Rusher With No Production
The most telling projection is that of defensive end T.J. Parker, who lands at No. 11 overall to the Washington Commanders.
CBS Sports' Cooper Petagna notes the elephant in the room: Parker's on-field production has vanished. After racking up 16.5 sacks in his first two seasons, he has tallied just two sacks during this 2025 collapse.
The NFL, it seems, doesn't care. Petagna writes that Parker's "well-rounded skill set" and ability to "play the run with equal effectiveness" make him an ideal fit, providing "immediate value" for a pro team.
The Reliable Interior Force
Next off the board is defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 16 overall to the Carolina Panthers.
Woods, one of the few consistent bright spots for the Tigers, is praised as "one of the most experienced and reliable prospects regardless of position." The "quick-twitch, explosive interior defender" is seen as a "bona fide instant-impact player" who can inject youth and power into an NFL line.
The 'High-Floor' Corner
Rounding out the Clemson trio is cornerback Avieon Terrell, who is projected to go No. 32 overall to the Indianapolis Colts.
After 26 career starts, Terrell is viewed as one of the safest bets in the draft. He's described as a "sticky man-coverage defender with the versatility to work out of the slot" who represents "strong value" and is a "high-floor, above-average starter."
For a Clemson program in freefall, the message from the NFL is clear: the wins are gone, but the first-round talent isn't going anywhere.