The 2025 NFL Draft is rolling along in Green Bay, with top college players across the country hoping to take the next step in their football careers.
Clemson, a program long associated with producing elite NFL talent, entered this draft with high expectations. Over the past decade, the Tigers have been a prime source of prospects for NFL front offices, and with all 32 teams attending their Pro Day in March, 2025 appeared poised to continue that trend.
However, as the first two days of the draft passed, no Clemson players were selected, marking the end of an impressive 16-year streak. According to Connor Muldowney of Rubbing the Rock, Clemson had produced at least one top-three-round pick every year from 2009 to 2024.
The last time the Tigers had to wait this long was in 2018, when linebacker Dorian O’Daniel became their first pick — taken in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite the surprising drought through three rounds this year, several Clemson players are still likely to be drafted before the weekend wraps up.
Former five-star linebacker Barrett Carter, who generated a lot of pre-draft buzz, was projected by some to be a third-round selection, although every team ultimately passed on him through Friday night.
Tight end Jake Briningstool also drew significant attention, with his combination of size and speed making him an intriguing fit for today’s NFL offenses.
It remains to be seen how much longer Clemson will have to wait to hear one of its players’ names called — but whoever gets the nod first will certainly have extra motivation to prove their doubters wrong.
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