Clemson defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell gets drafted 4th overall

Former Clemson defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell is officially off the NFL Draft board.

The Ted Hendricks Award winner, given to the nation’s top defensive end, was picked fourth overall to the Oakland Raiders. This ties the highest pick in Clemson’s history. He’s the fourth Tiger to be taken fourth overall.

Banks McFadden got drafted fourth overall in 1940 to the Brooklyn Dodgers, Gaines Adams in 2007 was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Sammy Watkins was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2014.

While at Clemson, Ferrell was a three-year starter after redshirting his freshman year. He left Clemson as the first player since 1981-82 to be a two-time first-team AP All-American. He finished his career with the most starts by any defensive end or linebacker in school history, 44.

Ferrell had 166 tackles, 50 for loss, and 27 sacks over the course of his career. He’s the first Tiger to be drafted in this year’s NFL Draft.