Projections for Six Former Clemson Tigers In 2023 NFL Draft

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller has made his projections for the entire NFL Draft, with six former Clemson players being tabbed to get selected.

Myles Murphy is the lone player projected to go in the first round. Miller projects Murphy going No. 15 to Seattle.

“If the Packers decide to wait until Round 2 to tap into the very deep tight end class, I’ve heard that a pass-rusher like Clemson’s Myles Murphy would be a fit here. A source with knowledge of the Seahawks’ draft plans told me this week that the floor for Murphy is No. 20 — if the team doesn’t select a defensive end at No. 5. Murphy, who blazed a 4.51-second 40-yard dash while weighing 270 pounds at his pro day, would give Seattle’s defense the juice it needs coming off the edge. In a base 3-4 scheme, Murphy’s ability in space would be a welcome addition, but it’s his long-arm pass-rush move and power in the run game that would be the most immediate boost to the team. With Dre’Mont Jones signed in free agency and Jalen Carter projected at No. 5 overall, Seattle can remake the defensive line as it did with the offensive line in 2022.”

Next he has Bryan Bresee going No. 38 to the Raiders.

“Bresee started the 2022 season as a first-round prospect on my board, but he couldn’t match his earlier career tape as he made his way back from injury. The Raiders, however, can afford to take a chance on his upside and bet on a healthy Bresee returning to form. At 6-6 and 298 pounds, he has positional versatility and could slide from 5-technique to 3-technique.”

Then Trenton Simpson at No. 44 to Atlanta.

“Adding speed on defense is the theme of this Atlanta draft so far, with Nolan Smith selected to rush the quarterback, and Simpson picked to be a playmaker at weakside linebacker. Simpson, who ran a 4.43 at the combine, has the rare speed and short-area quickness to be a factor in a pass-coverage and run-defending role.”

Miller also has Davis Allen going in the fourth round to the Raiders, KJ Henry in the fifth to the Colts and Jordan McFadden going to the Texans in the sixth.