Latest NFL draft projection has Clemson breaking a school record

Peter Woods is seen as the top Clemson NFL draft selection by Athlon, at No. 4 overall.

Brandon Rink · Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer · Tuesday, July 29 2025

Clemson could smash the school record for NFL draft first-round selections come next April.

First up, the Tigers have a much-hyped 2025 campaign starting with LSU in Death Valley on August 30 (7:30 p.m./ABC), but if they achieve the heights expected, it will show up on the draft boards next spring.

Athlon's latest NFL draft projection has five Clemson picks in the first 31 selections, which would easily clear the school record set in 2019 of three drafted.

Athlon's Luke Easterling has Tiger defenders going back-to-back in the Top 5 with Peter Woods at No. 4 and joining a Clemson pro star in New York, and T.J. Parker at No. 5 to Tennessee.

"The G-Men already have some formidable weapons along their defensive front, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding another one in Woods, who would team up with Dexter Lawrence to give them one of the most dominant interiors in the entire NFL," Easterling said on Woods. "Parker is an explosive defender who can win with both speed and power off the edge," Easterling said of the projected Tennessee pick.

Athlon has four quarterbacks going in the Top 6 selections, with Cade Klubnik rounding out that group at No. 6 to Indianapolis.

"Unless Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones prove to be something they’ve yet to show us as starting quarterbacks, the Colts will be in the market for a new one next year. Klubnik made huge strides last year in every area of his game, and continued development could make him a top-10 pick," Easterling said.

There is a gap in Clemson selections but two teammates who go head-to-head in practice appear next with projected No. 29 pick Avieon Terrell to Kansas City and No. 31 pick Antonio Williams to Philadelphia.

"Trent McDuffie keeps proving that being undersized doesn’t have to keep you from being a high-impact corner at the next level. The Chiefs could try to strike lightning twice at the position with Terrell, who makes up for his smaller frame with fluid movement skills and playmaking instincts," Easterling said. "Jalen Hurts already has a dynamic pass-catching duo with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles could use an upgrade at the WR3 spot. Williams is an undersized but dynamic receiver who can create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch, and could be a strong value this late."

The NCAA school record for first-round selections is six (2021 Alabama; 2004 Miami).

Clemson projected in NFL draft projections (Athlon)

DL Peter Woods - 4
DE TJ Parker - 5
QB Cade Klubnik - 6
CB Avieon Terrell - 29
WR Antonio Williams - 31