Clemson’s defense did not dominate the national spotlight this season, but the NFL’s belief in its talent remains unmistakable.
In Mike Renner’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 for CBS Sports, three Clemson defenders are projected among the first 32 picks. Defensive tackle Peter Woods, edge rusher T.J. Parker, and cornerback Avieon Terrell all appear in the opening round of selections, reinforcing Clemson’s continued reputation as a reliable NFL defensive pipeline even amid uneven results.
Woods is projected at No. 18 overall, a notable slide from his preseason billing but one Renner framed with context rather than concern. Renner wrote that a “disappointing junior campaign that saw him register a career low 15 pressures could cause him to slip,” but stopped well short of downgrading his long term value. He also noted that “the last time an uber strong defensive tackle from Clemson fell in the draft, it turned out fairly well,” a reminder that Woods’ combination of size, strength, and movement remains rare at the next level.
Parker is slated to land with the New England Patriots despite a dip in production. Renner noted that Parker’s pressure total fell from 51 a year ago to 41 this season and that his “lack of high end juice could cause him to fall.” Still, Renner emphasized there is “a lot to like from him in the run game,” which continues to keep Parker firmly in early draft conversations at one of the league’s most valuable positions.
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Terrell completes the Clemson trio, projected late to Seattle. Renner highlighted fit as much as skill, writing that Terrell’s game “isn’t too dissimilar to current Seahawk Devon Witherspoon,” adding that “having two of that player in one secondary feels unfair.”
Taken together, the projections send a clear message. Clemson’s defense may not have been flawless, but the NFL still sees premium talent throughout the unit.
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