The Clemson Tigers and the SMU Mustangs will face off in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday night, with an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff at stake. Both teams have a lot to prove, and several 2025 NFL Draft prospects will be looking to make a significant impact on the field.
Clemson 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Barrett Carter, LB (Rounds 2-3)
- DeMonte Capehart, DL (Rounds 3-4)
- Blake Miller, OT (Rounds 4-5)
- Jake Briningstool, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Phil Mafah, RB (Rounds 5-6)
Barrett Carter’s NFL Draft Projection
Barrett Carter is expected to be the highest-drafted player participating in the ACC Championship Game. The Clemson linebacker has received Day 2 grades and could have declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but he surprisingly chose to return to school instead.
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Primarily a coverage linebacker, Carter is an intuitive and intelligent player at the second level. He can read windows and lanes effectively, combined with the speed to capitalize on them.
DeMonte Capehart’s NFL Draft Projection
DeMonte Capehart has tremendous potential at the next level and is currently flying under the radar. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 320 pounds, the Clemson defensive tackle boasts explosive movement and impressive strength, which should enable him to be drafted in the middle rounds.
The combination of physical attributes, power, and athleticism makes Capehart a significant threat against the run. However, to fully realize his potential in the NFL, he needs to improve his positive production against the pass.
Blake Miller’s NFL Draft Projection
Blake Miller is a potential Day 3 developmental tackle with the traits necessary to impact the next level. However, the Clemson tackle still has remaining eligibility and may choose to return to college.
Standing at 6’6” and weighing 315 pounds, Miller has the size needed to make the jump to the NFL. He possesses surprising agility, fluid mobility, and enough physicality to transition to playing at a higher level. However, he must improve his technique — particularly in run blocking — and his footwork to compete effectively against top-tier NFL defenders.
Jake Briningstool’s NFL Draft Projection
Jake Briningstool is a highly talented tight end who thrives as a vertical passing weapon. The Clemson TE has 438 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 and is a proven mismatch for linebackers when attacking up the seam.
At 6’6”, Bringingstool has the height and the large catch radius to make improbable catches. However, at 240 pounds, his light frame struggles to hold up as a blocker, and he will need to improve his physicality against NFL defenders.
Phil Mafah’s NFL Draft Projection
Phil Mafah is enjoying the best season of his career in 2024. With 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns, the Clemson running back has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his four years with the Tigers. As a senior, he is now looking ahead to the NFL, where his solid frame and physical north/south running style will be advantageous in short-yardage situations.
However, Mafah lacks the explosive speed and quickness needed to excel when running between the tackles, which may affect his draft stock during the pre-draft process.
SMU 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Brashard Smith, RB (Rounds 4-5)
- Elijah Roberts, EDGE (Rounds 6-7)
- R.J. Maryland, TE (UDFA)
- Logan Parr, OL (UDFA)
- PJ Williams, OL (UDFA)
Brashard Smith’s NFL Draft Projection
Brashard Smith leads the charge for the Mustangs in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has made a significant case for himself by transferring to SMU from Miami.
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In only his first season converting from WR to RB, the versatile weapon has rushed for 1,157 yards and 14 touchdowns. With his receiving background, Smith’s profile will appeal to NFL scouts. A dynamic rusher who can stay on the field in passing situations is a valuable weapon. Look for the SMU RB to be drafted early on Day 3.
Elijah Robert’s NFL Draft Projection
Elijah Roberts isn’t a household name to fans outside of the ACC. But the SMU edge rusher has been extremely disruptive on a potent Mustang offensive line.
However, with only four sacks and 10 TFLs in 2024, he doesn’t have the production to challenge the middle rounds. Instead, Roberts will likely be a late-round pick-up where NFL teams can harness his disruptive power and develop his physical frame.
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