Clemson could have 10 players drafted

CLEMSON — Clemson football had six players selected in the 2023 NFL draft with defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee going in the first round.

This year, the Tigers could have 10 players selected during the NFL Draft on April 25-27. Although Clemson fell short of expectations with a 9-4 record last season, players like Nate Wiggins, Will Shipley and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. showcased talents that NFL teams are interesting in acquiring.

Here are the best fits for the top Clemson players in the NFL draft:

CB Nate Wiggins to the Philadelphia Eagles in Round 1

Nate Wiggins, Clemson's top prospect this spring, finished his college career with three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 24 pass deflections. The 6-foot-2, 182-pound cornerback ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among cornerbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.28 seconds.

Wiggins' length, speed and physicality would boost an aging Philadelphia Eagles secondary that struggled against the pass last year.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro to the Los Angeles Rams in Round 3

Though he spent much of his Clemson career in a backup role, Orhorhoro accumulated 25.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and nine pass deflections. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40 in 4.89 seconds, fourth among defensive tackles, and finished second in the broad jump (9-8) and third in the vertical jump (32 feet).

With the retirement of Aaron Donald, Orhorhoro could help strengthen the L.A. Rams' interior alongside Kobie Turner.

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Round 3

During his two seasons as a starter, Trotter led Clemson in tackles, accumulating 177, including 28.5 for loss (13 sacks), and had 13 pass breakups and four interceptions. He is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who played 12 seasons in the NFL. With the trade of Devin White to the Eagles and with Lavonte David turning 34, the Buccaneers need youth at linebacker.

RB Will Shipley to the Houston Texans in Round 4

In only three seasons at Clemson, Shipley cracked the top 10 in school history in touchdowns (33), 100-yard rushing games (10) and all-purpose yards (4,253). Shipley did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine but ran 4.39 seconds in the 40 at Clemson's Pro Day, which would have ranked him third among backs at the combine.

Shipley's running and versatility in the passing game would complement the Texans' Joe Mixon.