Todd McShay Predicts NFL Surge for Clemson Tigers in First Round of 2026 Mock Draft

Top-Heavy Talent, Championship Aspirations

Leading the charge is All-American defensive tackle Peter Woods, who McShay has pegged as the No. 3 overall selection to the New York Giants. A dominant force in the trenches with rare athleticism and motor, Woods has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Quinnen Williams — and his expected leap in production under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen could cement his status as a top-five lock.

Right behind him is quarterback Cade Klubnik, projected to go No. 5 overall to the Cleveland Browns. After a breakout 2024 season in which he accounted for 43 total touchdowns, Klubnik’s growth as a leader and passer has made him one of the most intriguing signal-callers in the country. If he delivers again this fall, his climb up draft boards will only accelerate.

But the Tigers' firepower doesn’t stop there.

Veteran right tackle Blake Miller, a foundational piece of Clemson’s offensive line, comes off the board at No. 8 to the Indianapolis Colts. Just one pick later, edge rusher T.J. Parker lands with the Chicago Bears at No. 9, after a sophomore campaign that featured 11.5 sacks and a school-record six forced fumbles.

Clemson’s first-round wave continues late in McShay’s mock with two more key playmakers: cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 27 and wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 28. Terrell, the younger brother of former Tiger standout A.J. Terrell, has emerged as a lockdown presence in the secondary, while Williams is poised to become one of the top receivers in college football this fall.