The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, and several Clemson Tigers players are eligible to be selected.
Round one takes place Thursday night, followed by rounds two and three on Friday evening. The draft wraps up on Saturday, with rounds four through seven happening throughout the morning and afternoon.
Jordan Reid released his final seven-round mock draft on ESPN+ (subscription required) earlier this week, and only three Clemson Tigers were included — none of whom were taken in the first three rounds.
The highest-selected Clemson player was linebacker Barrett Carter, who has consistently been projected as the top Tiger in recent mock drafts. While he’s been picked as high as the second round in some projections, Reid has him going in the fourth round at No. 130 overall to the Detroit Lions — a team he’s been linked to in other mocks, often at higher spots.
The Lions, one of the NFL’s top teams, reached the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago.
Barrett Carter, a four-year letterman, was a two-time All-America selection and wrapped up his Clemson career with 254 total tackles, including 31.5 for loss, 12.5 sacks, 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He started 40 of his 52 games for the Tigers.
Last season, Carter earned first-team All-ACC honors after recording 84 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, and a fumble recovery across 14 games. He was also named a finalist for the Butkus Award, presented to the nation’s top linebacker.
Two other Clemson players appeared in Reid’s mock draft after Carter. Safety RJ Mickens was selected in the sixth round, No. 193 overall, by the Cincinnati Bengals. The son of a former NFL standout, Mickens ended his Clemson tenure with 229 career tackles.
Just four picks after Mickens, tight end Jake Briningstool was projected to go No. 197 overall to the Denver Broncos. That selection would give second-year quarterback Bo Nix another weapon in the passing game. Briningstool departed Clemson after hauling in 127 career receptions.
Two additional Tigers — defensive tackle Payton Page and offensive guard Marcus Tate — are also considered potential draft picks this weekend. Both have appeared in seventh-round projections in various mock drafts.
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