Recently, Bill Belichick, head coach at the University of North Carolina with six Super Bowl rings from his time leading the New England Patriots, sat down with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, a college football powerhouse in his own right, to talk shop.
In the conversation, Belichick named two Clemson players he’s scouted over the years as his favorites: wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. Let’s examine why these players fit into Belichick’s mold.
Belichick’s Top Clemson Picks: Hopkins and Wilkins Shine
It’s worth paying attention when a coach like Belichick singles out players he’s scouted. In his chat with Swinney, he pointed to DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Wilkins as the Clemson standouts who left the biggest impression. Both have gone from starring for the Tigers to thriving in the NFL, so their stories, in a way, offer a window into what Belichick values on the field.
DeAndre Hopkins Leaves Lasting Mark from Clemson to NFL
Hopkins, or “Nuk” as fans know him, was a force at Clemson from 2010 to 2012. Over three seasons, he hauled in 206 catches for 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns. Those numbers are a signal of the skill that would define his career. In 2013, the Houston Texans took him 27th overall in the NFL Draft, and he hit the ground running.
In the pros, Hopkins has been a nightmare for defenses. His hands are among the best in the game, he runs routes with precision, and he’s got a knack for snagging passes in tight coverage.
Through the 2024 season, Hopkins has amassed 984 receptions, 12,986 yards, and 83 touchdowns across his time with the Houston Texans (2013-2019), Arizona Cardinals (2020-2022), Tennessee Titans (2023-2024), and Kansas City Chiefs (2024). He’s a five-time Pro Bowler and has three All-Pro nods to his name.
Christian Wilkins Brings Versatility and Grit to the NFL
Wilkins, a defensive lineman, also anchored Clemson’s defense from 2015 to 2018. During his time with the Tigers, he piled up 192 tackles and 16 sacks and played a significant role in two national championship wins (2016 and 2018). His power, quickness, and smartness made him a first-round lock, and the Miami Dolphins picked him 13th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Wilkins has been a disruptor in the NFL. Through his first six seasons up to 2024, he has recorded 370 tackles, 22.5 sacks, and proven his ability to disrupt both the run and pass games. In 2022, he racked up 98 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2023, he set a career-high with 9.0 sacks and 65 tackles across 17 games.
In 2024, before a Jones fracture limited him to five games with the Las Vegas Raiders, he added 17 tackles and 2.0 sacks, including a standout performance against the Patriots in Week 17, where he recorded three tackles in a 27-24 win. He’s a consistent player, but he’s a nightmare for offenses.
Bill Belichick says that former Clemson DL Christian Wilkins was his favorite player he’s ever scouted of Swinney’s while in the NFL.
Wilkins faced the Patriots twice a year when he was suited up for the Dolphins.
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pic.twitter.com/fyzkXRddgb— Grayson Mann (@gray_mann21) May 26, 2025
Inside Belichick’s Scouting Mind: Traits That Define Greatness
Belichick’s success is not luck; it’s built on a scouting philosophy that has produced winners for decades. Talking with Swinney, he didn’t just name-drop the two players; he has reasons to.
High Football IQ Sets Players Apart for Belichick
Smarts matter to Belichick. He’s not just looking for athletes; he wants guys who get the game. Hopkins has that in spades. He reads coverages, adjusts on the fly, and finds ways to get open. It’s why he’s thrived with quarterbacks from Deshaun Watson to Ryan Tannehill.
Wilkins is no different. He can sniff out plays and react quickly, which shows a deep understanding of offensive tendencies. Belichick’s defenses were always brain-over-brawn, and these two fit that mold perfectly.
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Belichick loves adaptable players, and both Hopkins and Wilkins deliver. Hopkins can line up anywhere, run any route, and still produce. Wilkins shifts along the line, stops the run, rushes the passer, and even drops into coverage when needed.
At 31, Hopkins is still a top receiver for the Titans, with plenty left in the tank. Wilkins, just 28, is hitting his prime with the Dolphins and projects to anchor their defense for years.
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