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Clemson Tigers expected to have one of the most elite position groups in CFB, and the 2026 NFL Draft should be a huge indicator of that
Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Clemson Tigers expected to have one of the most elite position groups in CFB, and the 2026 NFL Draft should be a huge indicator of that

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Ryan Roberts  |  Last updated May 6, 2025 4:24 PM ET

Heading into the 2025 college football season, there are a lot of expectations for what the Clemson Tigers could accomplish. A big reason for that is all that returns on the roster, on both sides of the football. While quarterback Cade Klubnik is making big plays offensively, this defense has a chance to be very improved under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen. 

Coach Allen has a lot more talent to work with than the 2024 numbers would indicate. It all starts up front, where the Tigers could have arguably the best defensive line in all of college football next season. Just how good is that group? All four of the projected starters have a chance ti be selected very early in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

DT Peter Woods 

Woods is one of the more unique evaluations so far in the 2026 NFL Draft class. At around 6-2 and 310 pounds, Clemson decided that it was a good idea to play Woods a lot at defensive end this past season, which is probably a good example for why their was a defensive coordinator change this offseason. Woods is a dense defensive tackle who has rare explosiveness for his size. If he takes another jump in 2025, we could be looking at a top five pick next April. 

EDGE TJ Parker

A former top recruit in the 2023 recruiting class himself, it’s easy to see why so many big programs pushed for Parker. He is a really powerful pass rusher at 6-4 and 260 pounds, and can be almost impossible to deal with when he crosses the faces of offensive tackles. Parker’s closing speed is also notable, allowing him to close quickly working in pursuit. He isn’t, however, the bendiest rusher of all time, which could affect his upside as a pass rusher. Parker needs to take a step forward in terms of consistency in 2025. 

DT DeMonte Capehart

If not for an injury to end the 2024 season, there was a chance that Capehart could have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a massive kid at 6’4 3/8” and 320 pounds, possessing unreal strength at the point of attack. Capehart’s first step is explosive, and he can create a ton of momentum when he gets rolling. From a technical perspective, Capehart is a work in progress. If his mental process and physical tools ever meet cohesively, we could be looking at a potentially dominant nose tackle. 

EDGE Will Heldt

Heldt transferred to Clemson from Purdue this offseason, and somehow not enough people talked about it. In 12 games, the talented defender managed to collect 56 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks. At 6-6 and 265 pounds, Heldt has impressive closing speed for his size. He has a chance to blow up playing on the other wise of Parker. Heldt promises to be a player that more people are talking about very, very soon. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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