These 3 Clemson football players in 2024 Draft have best fit in bid to make NFL rosters

Posted by Admin April 29, 2024 Football

CLEMSON — Clemson football had six players selected in 2024 NFL Draft, the fifth time this has happened under coach Dabo Swinney.

The 2024 class matched 2011, 2017, 2019 and 2023 in players taken, fell one short of 2020 and needed three more to tie the most in 2016. Each draft pick and undrafted free agent will participate in rookie minicamps next month to learn their respective team’s playbook, build chemistry with teammates and showcase their skills.

As players vie for a roster spot or playing time, here are the top three destinations for Clemson’s 2024 draftees.

1. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to Philadelphia Eagles in fifth round

It was the perfect scenario for Trotter. Although the star linebacker was chosen 155th overall, he landed with the Eagles — the team that drafted his father, Jeremiah Trotter, in the third round in 1998. Trotter grew up in South Jersey and played high school football at St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.), and his dad, known as the “Axe Man” to Eagles fans, is in the team’s Hall of Fame.

Trotter joins teammate Will Shipley in Philadelphia and will be a part of its linebacker room with Devin White, Oren Burks and Nakobe Dean.

2. CB Nate Wiggins to Baltimore Ravens in first round (30th overall)

Despite Wiggins being the third cornerback taken, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said he was the best cover cornerback in the draft. Wiggins will get to work with Pro Bowl defensive back Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens and develop under first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr.

Baltimore selecting Wiggins deals with the quality of quarterback play in the AFC, including Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. The Ravens hope Wiggins is the missing link for them to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2013.

MORE: Clemson 2025 NFL Draft prospects: Early look at where Barrett Carter, Phil Mafah may land

3. DT Ruke Orhorhoro to Atlanta Falcons in second round

Three picks into the second round, the Falcons traded up to land Orhorhoro, whose stock rose after his strong NFL Combine. After losing Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree who combined for 13 of their 25 defensive end/edge rusher sacks, they chose Orhorhoro 35th overall in hopes he can contribute to the team’s production.

Another reason was Orhorhoro’s versatility. He played multiple positions on Clemson’s defensive line and will likely do the same under first-year coach Raheem Morris. He will join former Clemson players Grady Jarrett, A.J. Terrell, Ray-Ray McCloud III and Bradley Pinion on the Falcons.

Clemson NFL Draft picks 2024

Round 1, Pick 30: Nate Wiggins, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Round 2, Pick 35: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Atlanta Falcons
Round 4, Pick 127: Will Shipley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Round 5, Pick 138: Xavier Thomas, DE, Arizona Cardinals
Round 5, Pick 155: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Round 6, Pick 196: Tyler Davis, DT, Los Angeles Rams

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00