Clemson in NFL draft: PFF mock projects six Tigers getting selected

Xavier Thomas is seen much higher with PFF, as a possible Day 2 NFL draft pick this week.

by TigerNet Staff - Mon Apr 22 12:30:06 GMT-04:00 2024

Pro Football Focus released a full seven-round mock of this week’s NFL draft (25-27), which features six Clemson selections.

That’s led by All-ACC cornerback Nate Wiggins, who is pegged for No. 25 overall to Green Bay.

“The Packers get a lengthy, athletic outside cornerback to pair with Jaire Alexander in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system. Wiggins consistently improved his coverage ability in college, and his combination of size and speed gives the Packers an intimidating duo to challenge on the perimeter,” said PFF.

Next up on Day 2 of the draft is Ruke Orhorhoro, who has moved up draft projections and sits at No. 63 to San Francisco for PFF now.

“The 49ers stick to the trenches, picking up one of the more versatile defensive linemen in the draft. Orhorhoro is a solid run defender, with a run-stop rate of 7.0% last season in college. If he can develop as a pass rusher, he could become an important piece of an already strong 49ers defensive line,” said PFF.

Orhorhoro is among longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s favorites of this class.

“Orhorhoro has had a great pre-draft process, rising all the way to being my No. 3 defensive tackle. I see a fit for him in Round 2,” Kiper said.

Also Day 2 projections are Jeremiah Trotter Jr., at No. 72, to Arizona, and Xavier Thomas, at No. 89, to Tampa Bay.

“The Cardinals had far and away the lowest-graded linebacker unit in the league last year, earning a measly 45.7 mark. While Trotter lacks size and athleticism, he's the smartest linebacker in this class. He was the only Power Five linebacker with 80.0-plus grades as a run defender, a pass rusher and in coverage over the past two seasons,” PFF said. “With Shaq Barrett gone and no proven pass rusher on the roster, the Buccaneers will look to upgrade that position as early as the first round. Thomas is a high-caliber athlete when it comes to explosiveness off the edge, something Tampa Bay could use more of with Yaya Diaby having a little breakout as an athlete edge rusher last year.”

PFF has Thomas almost 100 spots ahead of the consensus draft big board rankings, at No. 82 overall.

For the final two predictions, Tyler Davis is slated to go No. 150 overall within the fifth round to New Orleans, joining former teammate Bryan Bresee, and Will Shipley is pegged for the New York Giants, also in the fifth round at No. 166 overall. PFF also has Davis as a late-round fit for Cleveland.

For NFL.com, Shipley is seen as a “red star” sleeper for draft analyst Bucky Brooks.

“Every offensive coordinator in the league is looking for a multi-purpose back with big-play capability as a runner and receiver. Shipley is a slippery scat back with exceptional vision, balance and burst. As a designated playmaker out of the backfield with home-run potential, he could carve out an excellent role as a change-of-pace option in the rotation,” Brooks said.

Back to the first round, NFL.com’s latest projection has Wiggins going No. 17 to Jacksonville.

“Wiggins doesn't quite have the length or mass the Jags typically want at the position, but he does possess the speed, playmaking ability, effort and upside to make this a smart pick. Jacksonville needs immediate corner help, and the AFC South is suddenly loaded with WR talent,” said Eric Edholm.