This past weekend, the 2026 NFL Draft saw nine former Clemson Tigers hear their name called and take the stage to join their new team. Whether in the first round or the remaining six, the Tigers certainly had a lot of representation during the three-day event. Below is an examination of each of the nine draft selections from Tigertown:
Blake Miller
Miller was the first Clemson player selected in the draft on Thursday night, at No. 17 to the Detroit Lions. He became the highest-selected Clemson offensive lineman taken by an NFL team since Lou Cordileone was taken at No. 12 in 1960. Miller brings ideal size and tenacity to his game for the Lions and can be a staple in the trenches for head coach Dan Campbell.
This pick was a massive statement for Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke. Luke is known for getting the most out of his players, and Miller is no exception, as he’s the all-time record holder at Clemson for offensive snaps played.
Peter Woods
Woods came off the board next during the first round at No. 29 to the Kansas City Chiefs. He brings rare athleticism and tremendous upside to the position. Clemson has become known as an elite producer of NFL defensive linemen, and this pick adds to that trend. By joining the Chiefs, Woods can learn from another dominant force in the NFL, All-Pro teammate Chris Jones.
T.J. Parker
Parker heard his name called early in the second round at No. 35 to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills certainly wasted no time on day two of the draft in claiming the former Senior Bowl MVP. Parker brings a ferocious play style to the defensive edge position and could be a cornerstone to the Bills’ defense for many seasons to come. Similar to Woods, Parker has immense upside.
Avieon Terrell
Perhaps one of the more interesting storylines from the second round is that Terrell was picked by the Atlanta Falcons to play alongside his older brother, A.J. Terrell. Selected at No. 48 overall, Terrell brings experience to the cornerback position, having been a starter in the Clemson secondary since he was a freshman. He may be a bit undersized for a defensive back, but make no mistake, he can be a playmaker for the Falcons.
Antonio Williams
Yet another proven wide receiver selection in the Dabo Swinney era, Williams has the potential to be a dangerous slot receiver in the NFL. Selected in the third round at No. 71 by the Washington Commanders, Williams has the opportunity to blossom into a reliable player under head coach Dan Quinn. Throughout his time at Clemson, he demonstrated precise route-running and the ability to find the football downfield. Williams could also be a solid special teams contributor in his first season in the league.
Cade Klubnik
One question in the minds of many Clemson fans during the early process of the draft was which team would select Klubnik. He heard his name called in the fourth round at No. 110 to the New York Jets, but was still picked before several other quarterbacks, one of whom including LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. This is an intriguing selection from the Jets, as Klubnik had a rocky career during his time as a Tiger. Whether he is a proven backup or an eventual starter in the NFL, one thing is certain: Klubnik will compete.
Wade Woodaz
Woodaz was picked at No. 123 overall by the Houston Texans. He brings a physical, gritty style to a Texans team that features defensive playmakers such as Will Anderson and Derek Stingley Jr. Woodaz is a fascinating raw prospect in this draft, having been a staple of the Clemson defense at linebacker over the past few seasons. He could eventually be a key contributor to the elite defense brewing in Houston.
DeMonte Capehart
Capehart was selected at No. 155 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is an underrated selection from the Clemson defense, but he has the potential to be an interesting developmental piece in the Buccaneers’ defensive rotation. Capehart may have a lot to prove before he starts in the NFL; however, he can grow into a solid piece at defensive tackle for Tampa Bay.
Adam Randall
Randall was the final Clemson player selected at No. 174 by the Baltimore Ravens. He is another interesting late draft pick for the Tigers, as he is a converted wide receiver who has transitioned to running back. He played a key role in keeping Clemson’s offense humming last season. Randall brings natural athleticism to the position and has the capability to be a quality pickup in the fifth round for the Ravens.
It will be interesting to see how each player pans out with their new teams over the next few seasons. The record-high number of Clemson players selected in this year’s draft is a true testament to what Dabo Swinney has built in the Upstate.
