Three Tigers with first-round projections are headed to the NFL Combine
Eight Clemson players were invited to the 2023 NFL combine. The list includes four defensive players, three offensive players, and a kicker.
Invites:
Joseph Ngata, WR
Davis Allen, TE
Jordan McFadden, OL
Bryan Bresee, DL
K.J. Henry, DL
Myles Murphy, DL
Trenton Simpson, LB
BT Potter, K
Invites by projection:
First round: Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, and Trenton Simpson.
Due to his unique combination of length, explosiveness, and size, Myles Murphy is a tantalizing first-round prospect. Murphy finished his Clemson career with 17.5 sacks and 37 tackles for loss in three years. The former five-star was projected as a top ten NFL Draft pick in the preseason and continues to be selected in that range in recent mock drafts. At this point, he is a first-round lock.
Due to an adverse series of events, the 2022 season was anything but ordinary for Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee. His tape was solid but not as impressive as the previous season. Nevertheless, his ability to move quickly at his size and be versatile in a defensive scheme is tantalizing for NFL scouts. Bresee has the makeup of a first-round pick but has been mocked recently in the second round due to concerns about his lack of production last season (3.5 sacks, 5.5 TFLs in ten games). I consider him a late first-round selection (21-31 range).
Simpson is the top linebacker in this draft. He moves well in space and is an intriguing fit in the NFL as a hybrid defender. He could be the only first-round linebacker this year. In the NFL, Simpson could be used as a blitzer and an athlete that excels on passing downs.
Day Two (rounds 2-3): K.J. Henry
Day Three (rounds 4-7): Davis Allen, Jordan McFadden, Joseph Ngata.
Late round - UDFA: BT Potter.