Clemson NFL draft recap: Who is staying and who is turning pro?
The deadline to declare for the 2018 NFL draft was Monday. Clemson had several underclassmen considering turning pro. Here is a look at the decisions that were made:
DE AUSTIN BRYANT
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: It was announced Saturday night at Clemson’s football banquet that Bryant is returning for his senior season. Bryant was exceptional in 2017 — his first year as a starter. The Georgia native started all 14 games and finished with 57 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Bryant was expected to be drafted in the first two rounds had he entered the NFL draft.
WR DEON CAIN
Decision: Entering NFL draft
Notes: Clemson confirmed Wednesday that Cain is turning pro. The Tampa native had an up-and-down junior season, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling at times with drops. Cain still led the Tigers in receiving yards with 734 and was second on the team in catches with 58. He was projected by some to be a first-round pick before the season but will likely go in the second or third round, depending on his predraft workouts.
DE CLELIN FERRELL
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: Ferrell’s decision came at the same time as Bryant’s — at Clemson’s football banquet Saturday night. The redshirt sophomore recorded 65 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2017, leading the Tigers in tackles for loss and sacks. The Virginia native was projected by some to be a first-round pick and would have been one of the top pass rushers in the draft.
CB MARK FIELDS
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: Fields hinted on social media on Jan. 7 that he was planning to return to school, and the news was confirmed Saturday at the banquet. The junior started four of Clemson’s first six games before being sidelined with a foot injury. He finished the season with 20 tackles, three tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Fields was likely to be a late pick had he entered the draft. If he can stay healthy in 2018, his stock should improve.
OG TAYLOR HEARN
Decision: Entering NFL draft
Notes: The junior announced before the Sugar Bowl that he would be entering the NFL draft. The Williston-Elko product was named third-team All-ACC after the regular season. Hearn started all 14 games for Clemson at left guard in 2017.
OT MITCH HYATT
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: Hyatt announced on Jan. 10 that he will be returning to school. The junior was considered to be a lock first-round pick earlier in his career, but his stock dropped some because of inconsistent performances. Hyatt still had a solid season and was named the top offensive lineman in the ACC by the league’s defensive coaches.
LB KENDALL JOSEPH
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: An underrated piece of Clemson’s defense, it was announced at Saturday’s banquet that Joseph will return for his senior season. The redshirt junior already as earned his college degree but will return to play for the Tigers. Joseph finished second on the team in tackles each of the past two seasons, including leading the Tigers with 10 tackles in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.
WR RAY-RAY McCLOUD
Decision: Entering NFL draft
Notes: The Florida native announced on Jan. 7 that he will enter the NFL draft. McCloud was a weapon for Clemson in the return game and passing game. He caught 49 passes for 503 yards and averaged 12.1 yards per punt return, with a 77-yard touchdown this past season. Where McCloud goes in the draft will likely depend on his 40-yard dash time at the combine. He has a chance to be a mid-round pick with an impressive showing.
S VAN SMITH
Decision: Entering NFL draft
Notes: Smith announced on the same day as McCloud that he will enter the NFL draft. Smith was a constant in Clemson’s banged up secondary all year, finishing with 62 tackles, a pass breakup and an interception. He made one of the biggest plays of the season when he picked off FSU quarterback James Blackman in the fourth quarter to preserve a win. Smith will likely be a mid- to late-round draft pick.
DL CHRISTIAN WILKINS
Decision: Returning to school
Notes: The last of Clemson’s underclassmen to decide, Wilkins announced late Monday afternoon that he will return to Clemson for 2018. The junior can play inside or outside and create havoc. Wilkins was an All-American this past year, finishing with 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He was expected to be a first-round pick had he entered the NFL draft.
This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 6:51 PM with the headline "Clemson NFL draft recap: Who is staying and who is turning pro?."