Go ahead and start singing the “NFL primetime” theme song, because our Tigers are not wearing orange and white anymore. Clemson fans, let’s check up on last year’s draft class, shall we?
Has someone consoled Roger Goodell about his shoulder recently? We hope he is ok after Christian Wilkins tried to chest bump him while walking the stage on draft night where he was picked No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins. Since that day Wilkins has been an integral part of the Miami defense. The Dolphins overall record does not indicate the difference he has made, but in just four games, Wilkins recorded 17 tackles against some tough opponents. This 6-feet-4-inches, 315 lbs beast is expected to continue to help Miami improve throughout the season.
Hunter Renfrow, our hometown hero who gave all Clemson walk-ons hope. Drafted with the No. 149 pick overall to the Oakland Raiders, where he has put up some “eh” numbers so far in the league. He did not play weeks one and two, but, on his debut during Week three he made three receptions, he made two in Week four then was held to only one reception last game. Renfrow will look to improve as the Raiders travel to Green Bay next week to play the Packers in Week seven. Facing a tough Packers defense, he will have to be on top of his game. Especially if the trio of veteran receivers will be sitting this game.
Playing alongside Renfrow for the Oakland Raiders, defensive end Clelin Ferrell has also been very average as a rookie for his new team. In the first four games, Ferrell recorded 10 tackles and one sack, but after suffering a concussion in Week four, he was inactive last week against the Chicago Bears. Oakland is hoping he will be able to return after a Week six bye-week for the Week seven matchup against the Packers.
Defensive showstopper, Austin Bryant, is unfortunately reported to be out due to an undisclosed upper body injury. After being drafted No. 117 overall to the Detroit Lions. The defensive end came into the league recovering from a different injury that happened during his last season with Clemson. However, he will be eligible to play later this season. He can return to the field as early as Detroit’s Week nine game against the Raiders. I’m sure he will want to be healthy for this one, being his chance to play against old teammates.
Picked No. 17 overall by the New York Giants, Dexter Lawrence made his way to the Big Apple and has been bulldozing his way through the season. So far Lawrence has recorded 13 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in five games. This is no surprise considering the reputation he made at Clemson as one to consistently make life difficult for the opposing offensive line.
Trayvon Mullen is yet another Tiger that is now wearing silver and black. Drafted No. 40 overall by the Oakland Raiders, Mullen is another rookie that has not come off the press particularly hot. Playing in the Cornerback position for the Raiders, he has made three solo tackles in four games. Mullen is going to be a player people will not want to sleep on.
