The Clemson Tigers have long been a powerhouse of college football, and the league is used to Dabo Swinney’s team sending elite talent to the NFL. Clemson’s 2025 NFL Draft prospect group is thinner than usual, but these players can still have an impact at the next level.
Clemson 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Barrett Carter, LB (Round 3)
- Jake Briningstool, TE (Rounds 5-6)
- Phil Mafah, RB (Rounds 5-6)
Barrett Carter’s NFL Draft Projection
Barrett Carter is earning Day 2 grades from NFL scouts and analysts due to his impressive athleticism and instincts. The 6’1” and 230-pound defender can stick with receivers in man coverage and has enough physicality and speed to make plays shadowing routes while also having the anticipation and route recognition to play zone coverage.
However, Carter’s lack of natural strength can cause him to be inconsistent in the run game and when attempting tackles.
Jake Briningstool’s NFL Draft Projection
Jake Brinningstool excels when traveling up the seam, where his size and athleticism allow him to create mismatches, particularly against linebackers. At 6’6” and 240 pounds, the Clemson tight end uses his frame to his advantage, using his wide catch radius to haul in passes. However, his lighter build makes it challenging for him to sustain blocking assignments at the next level.
Projected as a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Briningstool has proven he can be the focal point of the Tigers’ passing offense and that he has the translatable ball skills and fluid mobility to be productive in the NFL.
Phil Mafah’s NFL Draft Projection
The 2025 NFL Draft running back class is exceptional. This means that Clemson running back Phil Mafah will fall down the draft boards, but his underrated production and physical running style still have a role on an NFL team.
KEEP READING: 2025 NFL Draft Ultimate Top 300 Big Board
At 6’1” and 230 pounds, Mafah is a bruising, physical runner who thrives moving north to south. With 1,106 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, the Tigers’ star rusher uses his thunderous leg drive and potent power to be productive operating between the tackles. Yet, his lack of explosive speed may cap his upside at the next level.
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