If you ever doubted that Death Valley is the place where NFL dreams are made, the 2026 NFL Draft just put that to rest. While everyone else is scrambling to catch up, Dabo and the Tigers just shattered the record books, sending nine of our own to the league in the first five rounds. That’s what dominance looks like.
But it wasn’t just about how many Tigers heard their names called. It was about the kind of players we’re sending to the league. ESPN dropped their top 100 picks of the draft, and five Tigers made the list. The message is clear: if you want a winner, you call Clemson.
Terrell Stays Home; Miller Joins the Pride
Avieon Terrell leads the way for the Tigers, coming in at No. 16 on ESPN’s best picks list. Atlanta made the smart move, grabbing him in the second round and reuniting him with his brother in the Falcons’ secondary. Even after a late injury that probably kept him out of the first round, ESPN says he’s ready to make an impact from day one. That’s the kind of grit we expect from a Tiger.
Blake Miller is heading to Detroit, and the Lions just got themselves a cornerstone. He’s No. 28 on ESPN’s list after going mid-first round, and with more than 50 starts in orange, he’s as battle-tested as they come. Detroit needs toughness and reliability to chase a Super Bowl, and that’s exactly what Miller brings.
Chiefs, Commanders, and Bills Cash In
Kansas City just keeps stacking talent, grabbing Peter Woods late in the first round at No. 51 on ESPN’s list. Some analysts might have questioned the pick, but every Tiger fan knows Woods is a freak athlete. ESPN even said his skills could shine even brighter in the NFL.
The Commanders pulled off a steal in the third round, grabbing Antonio Williams at No. 62. He can line up anywhere and make plays right away. Not to be outshined, the Bills reloaded their defense with T.J. Parker at No. 65, a move ESPN loved after Buffalo traded back and still got their guy.
A Record-Breaking Weekend
When it was all said and done, the numbers were flat-out historic. Five Tigers picked in the first three rounds, a new program record. And by the end of the fifth, nine Clemson names were called. The Clemson brand has never been hotter.
