For the NFL early, its a huge recruiting tool. Clemson has been funneling guys into the NFL at a ridiculous pace and most of the 4-5 star guys have been 1st rounders.
Clemson football is becoming a farmhouse where 4-5 star guys can play early and leave to the NFL early. This is how Saban got the ball rolling, by gaining a rep as a coach that put guys into the league.
Plus it frees up a few more scholarships. When we go to playoffs again next year, we are going to be looking at a monster recruiting cycle for 2017 and hopefully have our choice of 5* QB to come in behind Watson and continue to great play behind what should still be the best Oline in college