CLEMSON in the NFL

Cain hope to have a huge season in 2017
Cain hope to have a huge season in 2017

Six Tigers in 1st round of 2018 NFL Mock Draft


by - Assoc. Editor -

CBSSports.com released their latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft on Wednesday and six Clemson players are projected in the first round which calculates to 18.75 percent picked from little ole TigerTown.

It's a long season and if the following NFL projections are to come true, Clemson needs to make it back to playoff again so NFL scouts get plenty of eyes on all their star performers.

Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain continues the WRU tradition as he is projected No. 5 overall to the Chicago Bears.

"What will likely be three years of top-end production at a powerhouse program from a top-end athlete is reason enough for Cain to land in the top five," CBSSports.com said. "No, he's not the contested-catch phenom Mike Williams was a year ago. In fact, he's quite the opposite. Cain flourishes down the field and after the catch. The Bears need to bolster their wideout group after the unfortunate injuries to Kevin White."

Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell was projected No. 14 overall to the New Orleans Saints.

"Ferrell is somewhat of a late bloomer who'll win over scouts with his hustle, angular frame, and athletic talents," CBSSports.com said. "He had 12 tackles for loss and six sacks in Clemson's national title season and has a sack to go along with 11 tackles through two games this year. The Saints really need another quality edge-rusher beyond Cam Jordan."

Ferrell's defensive line buddy Christian Wilkins was predicted to go No. 19 overall to the Oakland Raiders.

"Wilkins is a penetrating defensive tackle who can win strength battles with offensive linemen at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds," CBSSports.com said. "He hasn't gotten off to the fastest start in 2017. I'd be stunned if he's held in check for much longer."

Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel was projected No. 25 overall to the Green Bay Packers.

"Clemson's defense has an almost unfair amount of NFL prospects on its front seven," CBSSports.com said. "The "late riser" of this group might be O'Daniel, a SAM 'backer who has the upper-body strength to deal with offensive linemen near the line and the fluidity to chase down running backs on stretch plays. The Packers linebacker group is in need of a player like O'Daniel, particularly with Clay Matthews already 31."

Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant was projected No. 28 overall to play alongside Vic Beasley and the Atlanta Falcons.

"Remember what I said about Clemson's defense? Yeah, Bryant's really good too," CBSSports.com said. "At nearly 6-foot-4 and nearly 270 pounds, he doesn't need to add any weight to his frame to play every down in the NFL. He had four sacks and four tackles for loss against Auburn. The Falcons have speed on their defensive front; Bryant would infuse some power."

Clemson's left tackle Mitch Hyatt was projected to go No. 31 to the Seattle Seahawks.

"Hyatt was a highly touted high school recruit -- 247 rated him as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the country -- and he's acclimated quickly to the ACC while at Clemson," CBSSports.com said. "Have you seen the Seahawks offensive line lately? Or, like, for the past two seasons."

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