Clemson DL rookie among NFL preseason standouts

---

Pro Football Focus released its grades for the top rookies in the NFL preseason so far and a Tigers defensive lineman made the top-10 among defenders - and he isn't one of the four drafted this April.

Houston's Albert Huggins graded the ninth-best among NFL defensive rookies through two weeks (82.4 in 52 snaps) going into Saturday's game with the Dallas Cowboys (7 p.m./NFL Network):

"The undrafted Clemson alumnus, often overshadowed by the collection of first-round talent on his collegiate defensive line, has stood out when given the opportunity this preseason. He struggled in his first NFL game, but burst onto the scene in Week 2 and earned a 90.6 pass-rush grade after he recorded five quarterback pressures on 22 pass-rush snaps."

In a 3-4 Texans scheme, Huggins is competing for a roster spot at a tough position to make the 53-man roster, listed as the third-string at one defensive end position behind Angelo Blackson (fifth-year pro) and fellow former Tiger Carlos Watkins. J.J. Watt anchors the other starting position.

Huggins stepped in to start the final two College Football Playoff games last year, posting five stops in the national championship win over Alabama. He tallied 83 tackles, 11.5 for loss, with seven sacks over 911 career snaps as a Tiger.

Send Feedback to Brandon Rink: Email | Comment

Trending on TigerNet

Hunter Renfrow making NFL comeback with new team

Tigers rally to complete sweep of Georgia Tech

Six different Tigers appear in early 2026 NFL draft first round projections