CBS Sports’ Fornelli mocks 4 Clemson players after “dead” claim
Just about a few weeks after declaring Clemson football “dead” and questioning the program’s talent level, CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli released a new 2026 NFL mock draft that tells a very different story. In his latest projection, four Clemson players land in the first round, highlighting a level of NFL-ready depth that seems to contradict the narrative surrounding the Tigers this offseason. While Clemson may not have a clear top-10 lock in this class, the presence of Blake Miller, Peter Woods, Avieon Terrell, and T.J. Parker in round one reinforces that the program’s pipeline to the next level is far from dried up.
OT Blake Miller – Pick 17 Detroit Lions
Blake Miller landing with the Detroit Lions at No. 17 feels less like a projection and more like a natural fit given where both the player and the team are right now. Miller has steadily climbed into the first-round conversation as one of the more reliable offensive tackles in this class, combining elite athletic traits with over 3,600 career snaps and consistent pass protection at Clemson. He is not the flashiest name on the board, and there are still questions about his pad level and ability to handle quicker edge rushers, but Detroit does not need a project. The Lions need stability up front, and Miller offers exactly that as a high-floor, plug-and-play option with legitimate starter upside. In a draft class lacking sure things at premium positions, this is the type of pick that makes a lot more sense than chasing upside alone.
Fornellis description: It may not be Miller, but given everything that’s happened in Detroit this offseason, it feels like offensive tackle is the most likely position here. Miller is a plus athlete who has shown the ability to excel in pass protection. He’s also one of the few OT prospects in this class worthy of a pick this early, with a clear tackle frame.
DL Peter Woods – Pick 25 Chicago Bears
Peter Woods landing with the Chicago Bears at No. 25 checks a lot of boxes for a defense that still needs help in the trenches. With edge rusher viewed as a deeper position in this class, addressing the interior first makes sense, and Woods gives Chicago an explosive presence inside at 298 pounds. He brings strong lower-body power and the ability to disrupt both the run game and the pocket, backed by a production profile that ranked among the best defensive tackles in the class. Woods is not a finished product, particularly with shorter arms that can allow blockers to get into his frame. Still, his ability to win through effort and quickness over the course of a rep makes him a reliable interior piece. In a class without many true difference makers at defensive tackle, this feels like a safe, high-upside addition for a Bears front that needs more physicality and consistency.
Fornelli’s description: The Bears began overhauling their defense this offseason and could target any number of players here. One of the biggest problems this unit had last year was stopping the run, and Woods should help there while also offering the potential to collapse the pocket against the pass.
Avieon Terrell – Pick 30 Miami Dolphins
Avieon Terrell landing with the Miami Dolphins at No. 30 would give a secondary still searching for stability a much-needed boost. Miami’s cornerback group struggled with both inconsistency and availability throughout last season, with Jason Marshall Jr. showing flashes but limited by injuries and inexperience, and JuJu Brents unable to stay on the field despite his physical upside. Terrell projects as one of the more polished corners in this class, with the versatility to play both outside and in the slot while consistently staying in phase and challenging at the catch point. Despite lacking ideal size at 5-foot-11, his production profile and technique suggest he can hold up against NFL competition. In a secondary that has yet to establish reliable depth, Terrell would not just add another piece, but potentially step into an immediate role as Miami looks to solidify its coverage unit.
Fornelli’s description: Given the moves the Dolphins have made this offseason, this looks like a team doing its damnedest to give itself a chance at an early pick next year in a deeper QB pool. Terrell is one of my favorite players in the class and fills one of many glaring needs, but he alone shouldn’t prove to be a serious hindrance to No. 1 pick contention in 2027.
TJ Parker – Pick 31 New England Patriots
T.J. Parker landing with the New England Patriots at No. 31 reflects one of the more interesting shifts in this draft cycle. After a dominant 2024 season that once had him in the top-five conversation, a quieter 2025 has pushed him toward the back end of the first round, though the tools remain clear. Parker still brings an ideal size at 6-foot-4, 263 pounds with the strength and hand usage to consistently set the edge and collapse the pocket, even if his pass-rush arsenal remains somewhat limited. His production dip appears tied more to increased attention than a lack of ability, and in a system like New England’s, that physical, disciplined style fits naturally. With the Patriots in need of help off the edge, Parker offers a high-upside option who may not be a finished product, but still carries the traits of a long-term starter. Under a culture-driven coach like Mike Vrabel, his Clemson background and physical play style only strengthen the fit.
Fornelli’s description: After his 2024 season, Parker was seen as a player who could be a top-five pick. A more ordinary 2025 significantly muted those expectations, but there’s still plenty to like.
Despite the narrative surrounding Clemson this offseason, Fornelli’s latest mock draft suggests the program’s pipeline to the NFL remains strong.
