Despite a rollercoaster 2025 season for the Clemson Tigers, NFL scouts are still circling Tigertown with serious interest - and after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, that buzz just got louder. According to a fresh two-round mock draft from ESPN’s Matt Miller, five Clemson standouts are projected to be off the board within the first 42 picks.
That’s not just a solid showing - that’s a statement. And leading the charge is edge rusher T.J.
Parker, who turned heads in Mobile and walked away as arguably the biggest winner of the week.
20. Dallas Cowboys: T.J. Parker, DE
Let’s start with Parker, who’s skyrocketing up draft boards at just the right time. After the Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons, there’s a clear void on the edge - and Parker fits the bill as someone who can make an immediate impact.
While his 2025 stat line (5.5 sacks) might not scream “first-rounder,” scouts are looking past the numbers. At the Senior Bowl, Parker reminded everyone why he was once seen as a top-tier prospect.
His ability to lock out blockers with his length and leverage was on full display, and that kind of physicality is exactly what Dallas needs to reignite their pass rush. He’s not Parsons - few are - but he brings a relentless motor and the kind of traits that translate on Sundays.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Avieon Terrell, CB
Next up is Avieon Terrell, a name that should sound familiar. The younger brother of Falcons corner A.J.
Terrell, Avieon is carving out his own path - and Pittsburgh might be the perfect place for him to do it. A 2025 All-American, Terrell is known for his fluid movement and top-tier athleticism.
He’s not just fast - he’s instinctive, with a knack for reading routes and making plays on the ball. He also leaves Clemson with a school record for forced fumbles by a defensive back (eight), which tells you everything you need to know about his physicality and ball awareness.
For a Steelers team that’s always valued hard-nosed, playmaking defenders, Terrell feels like a natural fit.
28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT
C.J. Stroud’s blindside protector might be getting a new best friend.
Blake Miller, Clemson’s iron man at right tackle, is projected to land in Houston - and his résumé speaks for itself. Fifty-four consecutive starts.
Just two sacks allowed in 2025. Only two blown run blocks all season.
That’s not just consistency - that’s dominance. Miller isn’t flashy, but he’s the kind of lineman coaches trust to anchor a unit for years.
He’s technically sound, physically imposing, and plays with the kind of edge that sets the tone up front. For a young Texans offense looking to build something sustainable, Miller’s the kind of foundational piece you don’t pass up.
Round 2: Clemson Keeps the Pipeline Flowing
The Tigers aren’t done after Round 1. In fact, they come out swinging early in the second with back-to-back picks that continue to showcase the depth of talent coming out of Clemson.
No. 41 Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT
Woods might be the sleeper of the bunch. In a year where the interior defensive line class is considered thin, Woods offers real value at No.
- He’s not just a space-eater - he’s a playmaker.
In 2025, he was the only player in the country to record multiple games with both a sack and a rushing touchdown. That’s rare versatility, and it speaks to his athleticism and football IQ.
For the Bengals, who need help up front, Woods could be a game-changer - a disruptive presence who can collapse the pocket and hold his own against the run.
No. 42 New Orleans Saints: Antonio Williams, WR
Rounding out the Clemson run is wide receiver Antonio Williams, headed to New Orleans to pair with Chris Olave. That’s a duo that could give NFC South secondaries nightmares.
Williams finishes his college career ranked fourth all-time at Clemson in both receptions (208) and touchdown catches (21). He’s a technician - smooth in and out of breaks, reliable hands, and a feel for finding soft spots in coverage.
He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he’s one of the most polished route-runners in this class. For a Saints offense looking to add consistency and playmaking on the outside, Williams is a perfect complement to Olave’s speed and explosiveness.
If this mock holds true, Clemson could see its largest early-round draft haul in years - a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-ready talent, even in seasons where the win-loss record doesn’t tell the full story. The Tigers might not have made a postseason splash in 2025, but their players are about to make plenty of noise at the next level.