Clemson just matched a program record with nine Tigers hearing their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, but you wouldn’t know it from the national chatter. All eyes are already locked on Will Heldt, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound force of nature who’s about to become the next household name in Tiger Town.
The 2026 draft was a Tiger tidal wave on Day 2, but when it comes to the "Way Too Early" 2027 buzz, there’s one name on everyone’s lips. USA TODAY and CBS Sports both agree: Will Heldt is the face of Clemson’s next draft class, and he’s already barreling toward Top-20 status.
The Man Who Changed Dabo’s Mind
Heldt’s legend is already growing in Tiger Town. He’s the guy who finally convinced Dabo Swinney to dip into the portal waters, and that gamble paid off in a big way. In his first season wearing the Paw, Heldt terrorized ACC quarterbacks with 7.5 sacks and showed off the kind of suddenness and instinct that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep.
USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has Heldt going No. 18 overall to the Detroit Lions, a move that would reunite him with 2026 first-rounder Blake Miller. Middlehurst-Schwartz noted that if Heldt continues his current trajectory, he could enjoy the "draft surge" that many of his 2026 teammates narrowly missed.
The "Sudden" Edge of New England
Meanwhile, CBS Sports is sending Heldt to the AFC, projecting him to the New England Patriots at No. 25. Analyst Cooper Petagna praised Heldt’s unique physical profile, describing him as a "long, sudden mover" with a knack for disrupting both the run and the pass.
Through three collegiate seasons, Heldt’s production is undeniable:
- Total Tackles: 114
- Tackles for Loss: 26.5
- Sacks: 12.5
- The "Highlight": A fumble recovery returned 16 yards for a touchdown.
2027: Quality Over Quantity?
The 2026 class was all about strength in numbers, but 2027 looks like the year Clemson sends a true defensive superstar to the next level. With 25 starts and a build straight out of an NFL scout’s wish list, Heldt is the lone Tiger showing up in those early first-round mocks—for now.
If Heldt delivers another 7-sack season in 2026, don’t be surprised if that No. 18 projection ends up looking like a bargain.
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