Todd McShay Predicts a Major Clemson Tigers Impact in the 2026 NFL Draft With Multiple Projected First-Round Selections
The legacy of elite football talent flowing from Clemson University to the National Football League could soon hit another high point. Renowned ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay has unveiled his early 2026 mock draft, and it’s packed with orange and purple. McShay’s projections highlight a surge of Clemson Tigers expected to hear their names called in the first round—one that reflects the program’s rising dominance and resurgence under head coach Dabo Swinney after a couple of transitional seasons.
In the mock draft, McShay places as many as four Clemson players in the opening round, with at least two listed in the top 10. That projection ties Clemson with the likes of Georgia and Ohio State, signaling that the Tigers are poised to reclaim a seat at the college football elite table when it comes to NFL talent development. While it’s still early and the draft is nearly a year away, the sheer presence of so many Tigers in the mock highlights the work being done in Clemson, South Carolina—not just on the field but in the weight room, the meeting rooms, and through careful talent development.
Leading the charge in McShay’s mock is defensive end Zion Davis, who’s being widely viewed as a potential top-five pick. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge rusher had a breakout junior season in 2025, notching 12.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and forcing three fumbles. His blend of size, speed, and technique has NFL scouts drooling, and McShay has him going as high as No. 3 overall to a team desperate for a cornerstone pass-rusher. Davis’ explosiveness off the snap, along with his ability to anchor against the run, make him a complete three-down player who should shine during the pre-draft process—especially at the NFL Combine.
Next up on McShay’s list is cornerback Keenan Marshall, who is quickly becoming a household name among scouts and evaluators. Marshall is listed at No. 9 overall in the mock draft, and many believe he has the traits of a true lockdown corner at the next level. With elite footwork, fluid hips, and a competitive edge that defines Clemson’s secondary play, Marshall was nearly impossible to throw against in 2025. He allowed a completion percentage of just 41.3% when targeted and finished the season with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. His ball skills and instincts are already considered NFL-ready, and if he runs well at the Combine—as expected—he may rise even higher.
McShay doesn’t stop there with Clemson’s defensive prospects. Linebacker Malik Renner makes the top 20 of the mock draft, a testament to his versatility and intelligence. Renner has emerged as the emotional and schematic leader of the Clemson defense, often calling plays and adjusting the front seven in real time. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, he’s quick enough to cover tight ends and running backs, yet stout enough to fill gaps and take on offensive linemen in the run game. NFL teams searching for a modern linebacker capable of being a three-down defender will have their eyes locked on Renner throughout the upcoming season. McShay slots him in at No. 17 overall, pegging him as a plug-and-play starter who could contribute from Day 1.
Rounding out Clemson’s first-round contingent in McShay’s mock is wide receiver Jalen Harper, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound playmaker who exploded onto the national scene this past fall. After a slow sophomore year marred by injuries, Harper rebounded with 78 catches for 1,230 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. What separates Harper from other wideouts in the class is his ability to win both vertically and in contested catch situations. McShay has Harper going late in the first round to a playoff-caliber team looking to add a dynamic weapon on the perimeter. His large catch radius, deceptive speed, and route refinement have evaluators drawing comparisons to former LSU star and current NFL standout Tee Higgins—another former Tiger.
The projected Clemson surge in the 2026 NFL Draft is more than a feel-good story—it’s a testament to how the program recalibrated after some growing pains in the post-Trevor Lawrence era. While 2021 and 2022 were seen as rebuilding years for the Tigers, recent recruiting wins and the emergence of new assistant coaches revitalized both the offense and defense. Now, with multiple players poised to become high draft picks, Clemson has both the tangible talent and the renewed identity that aligns with their previous College Football Playoff runs.
McShay’s mock is also a sign of how Clemson is adapting to the changing dynamics of college football. With NIL, the transfer portal, and increased player movement, some programs have struggled to maintain continuity and development. Clemson, however, has remained relatively insulated from massive roster churn. Players like Davis, Renner, and Marshall developed within the program over multiple years—a stark contrast to other schools where stars may only spend one season before heading elsewhere. That consistency is paying dividends, both in on-field performance and in NFL readiness.
Perhaps most intriguing about McShay’s projections is how they could influence Clemson’s upcoming season. With this kind of NFL-caliber talent on the roster, the Tigers enter 2025 as dark horse contenders for the national title. Their defensive unit, in particular, is drawing attention as one of the most talented and experienced in the country. If Davis, Renner, and Marshall continue their current trajectory, the Tigers could dominate opponents at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. Harper’s emergence also means that the offense has a legitimate deep threat, making the Tigers more balanced than they’ve been in years.
Of course, with increased attention comes increased pressure. NFL-bound prospects often carry the weight of expectation during their final college season. Scouts will scrutinize every play, every interview, every combine drill. How these Clemson players handle that spotlight will not only affect their draft stock but also impact the Tigers’ hopes for a return to postseason glory. Coach Swinney has long emphasized character and leadership, and his guidance will be critical as these future pros navigate the 2025 season with millions of dollars—and lifelong dreams—hanging in the balance.
It’s also worth noting that McShay’s mock doesn’t account for potential risers—other Clemson players who might break out in 2025 and sneak into the first round. Offensive tackle Jordan Clayborne, for example, has the size and athleticism to warrant early-round buzz if his technique improves. Similarly, quarterback Roman Carter, while not yet in first-round conversation, could explode if he takes the next step in his development. The foundation is clearly there for Clemson not just to have a few top-tier draft picks, but to dominate the draft the way Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State have in recent years.
In the grand scheme, McShay’s early 2026 mock draft offers more than just projections. It paints a picture of a program rebounding with power, precision, and purpose. Clemson is no longer flying under the radar, and the NFL is taking notice. With four players in the projected first round and several more on the cusp, the Tigers are roaring back into the spotlight—not just in Death Valley, but in draft rooms across the league.
NFL franchises value consistency, leadership, and pedigree, and Clemson checks all the boxes. If McShay’s predictions come to pass, the 2026 NFL Draft could be remembered as a defining moment for the program—a time when the Tigers didn’t just compete at the highest level, but flooded it with talent. The only question now is whether the players will rise to the challenge and seal their legacies with dominant final college campaigns.
One thing is certain: the eyes of NFL general managers, scouts, and fans will be locked on Clemson all season long. And if Todd McShay is right, a new era of Tiger dominance may soon begin—this time, on Sundays.
