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NFL Draft 2017: Top 5 NFL prospects from Clemson Football

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:29 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Clemson Tigers will see a good number of talent drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here's a look at their top prospects.

The Clemson Tigers won their first National Championship in 35 years and it comes with its reward. The Tigers were able to get redemption going away in their final games as college athletes, winning a National Title over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Against the odds, Clemson prevailed, giving Dabo Swinney his first National Title as a head coach. Now, a good number of Tigers players will have an opportunity to hear their name called on April 27 from Philadelphia.

After going 28-2 in the last two seasons, some Tigers players are ready to take the next step by entering their name early into the NFL Draft. Others, like linebacker Ben Boulware, are out of eligibility and have to make the jump anyways.

The Tigers have a good variety of talent coming for the NFL Draft as well. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball looking to win more games at the next level. Here's a look at the top prospects from Clemson in the NFL Draft.

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Leggett

TE, Clemson

Tight end Jordan Leggett had strong 2015 and 2016 campaigns for the Clemson Tigers, appearing in 28 of 30 games. Leggett emerged as one of quarterback Deshaun Watson's top receiving targets in the Clemson offense.

He caught 46 receptions for 736 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns last season. Well above his junior season numbers where he caught 40 passes for 525 receiving yards for eight touchdowns. He was second in the ACC in receiving touchdowns in 2015, ninth in 2016.

Leggett was the team's second-leading receiver last season. He caught five passes for 122 receiving yards including the game-winning touchdown over the Florida State Seminoles on October 29.

He brings a big receiving threat off the line-of-scrimmage to any NFL team. At 6-foot-5 and 258-pounds, he has the potential to turn into a top tight end at the next level. He's currently projected as a fourth round pick.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) celebrates a play as Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) lays on the field during the first quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Watkins

DT, Clemson

Defensive tackle Carlos Watkins is another Clemson Tigers player who made his presence known these past two seasons, except on the defensive side of the ball. He brings a plethora experience with him to the NFL Draft.

In his junior season, back in 2015, he had 34 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups and an interception as well as an interception return for a touchdown. Last season, he turned things up a notch.

Watkins had 50 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 2016. Although he didn't have an interception, he was a lot more active in the Tigers defensive schemes throughout the season.

He had two sacks, two pass breakups and two tackles for loss in the team's 31-0 shutout victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Watkins followed up that performance up with six tackles and a tackle for loss in the National Championship game against Alabama.

With his ability to play at a high-level, Watkins is currently projected to be a third or fourth round pick.

Dec 5, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) intercepts a ball intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Quinshad Davis (14) during the third quarter in the ACC football championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Cordrea Tankersley

CB, Clemson

Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley is a Clemson player who could see his hard work pay off as a high pick in the NFL Draft. Tankersley finished the season strong, finishing as a third-team AP All-American and first-team All-ACC honors.

He recorded four tackles and two interceptions in ACC Championship Game against Virginia Tech on December 3. In the College Football Playoff Semifinal, he had four tackles and an interception against Ohio State in a 31-0 shutout on December 31.

Tankersley is part of a deep defensive draft class in the 2017 NFL Draft. He record nine interceptions and 20 pass breakups in the past two seasons with 28 starts. He led the Clemson defense in interceptions in 2015 (5) and was second on the team in 2016 (four).

Tankersley is a corner with tons of ability, especially in coverage. He'll need to improve on his mechanics, but his aggressive style of play and speed could get him drafted in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. At 6-foot-1 and 199 pounds, he has the physical build and tools to be a successful corner in the NFL. He's currently projected to be selected in the third or fourth round.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to the bench against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson

QB, Clemson

Clemson Tigers Deshaun Watson overcame a lot of criticism in his final season as a college quarterback. He won ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. Despite not winning those in 2016, he di win a National Championship.

He led the FBS in passing completions in 2015 (333) & 2016 (388). He used his legs a lot less last season with targets like Mike Williams, Artavis Scott, and Jordan Leggett in the passing game. The junior quarterback was a 67.4 percent passer in three seasons at Clemson, throwing for 90 touchdowns and 10,168 passing yards.

Watson will need to limit his turnovers at the next level to be a successful quarterback. He developed in several aspects as a quarterback at Clemson but was first in the ACC and second in the FBS in interceptions in 2016 (17). He was second in the ACC in interceptions in 2015 as well with 13.

Pointing to his performances against the Alabama defense could help his cause. Watson threw for 825 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and an interception in two games. He's currently projected to picked in the first or second round.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Anthony Averett (28) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Williams

Wide Receiver, Clemson Tigers

Wide receiver Mike Williams leaves Clemson as one of the best receivers in school history. This year's NFL Draft isn't filled with big play receivers but Williams is a top prospect to watch.

After recovering from a brutal neck injury in 2015, Williams came back better than ever in 2016. He caught a career-high 98 receptions for 1,361 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. His performance earned him first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors.

His best performance came against the Auburn Tigers where he caught nine balls for 174 receiving yards in his first game back.

Williams ranked first in the ACC and fifth in the FBS in receptions. He was also second in the conference in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He caught six passes for 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Nov. 26.

Williams has good size for an NFL receiver at 6-foot-4 for a downfield-threat and the build (218 pounds) to be a possession receiver in the NFL. He's got highlight reel catching ability as well. After posting back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons even after an injury, he's ready to take the step to the next level. Currently, he's projected as a first round pick.

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