Four Tigers listed in 1st round of NFL Mock Draft

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Thu Oct 12 10:07:11 GMT-04:00 2017

CBSSports.com released their latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft and four Clemson players are projected in the first round.

Clemson junior offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt was projected No. 10 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Hyatt possesses the feet of a guard and the power and technique of an offensive tackle," CBSSports.com said. "More than anything else, the Bengals need offensive-line reinforcements regardless of where it is on their front. The Clemson standout has plenty of experience in big games against elite competition and has almost always fared well in those situations."

Clemson junior defensive end Austin Bryant was projected No. 26 overall to the New England Patriots.

"New England desperately needs aggressiveness on the edge of its defense," CBSSports.com said. "Bryant brings that, and has some versatility based on how he's used at Clemson. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he won't need a year to gain strength or add weight. The productive Bryant can be a three-down defensive end for Bill Belichick right away."

Bryant has 29 tackles, five sacks, and an interception this season.

Bryant's defensive line buddy Christian Wilkins was predicted to go No. 28 overall to the Atlanta Falcons.

"The Falcons have to like what they have on the edges of their defense, yet they could use some upgrades on the interior," CBSSports.com said. "Wilkins pairs up with another former Clemson star, Grady Jarrett, at defensive tackle in Dan Quinn's defense. He'd instantly improve Atlanta's run defense and actually make Jarrett more effective due to his block-eating ability."

In 2017, Wilkins has accumulated 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Clemson junior linebacker Kendall Joseph was projected No. 31 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"The Eagles have one of the NFL's better defensive fronts, so secondary may be the top priority here," CBSSports.com said. "But with the state of the inside linebacker spot somewhat in flux, Howie Roseman and Co. can't pass on the springy Joseph to play behind Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, and Brandon Graham where he'd accumulate a ridiculous amount of tackles."

For the season, Joseph has 45 tackles, 0.5 sack, and a pass deflection.