Top NFL draft prospects from ACC schools Clemson and Boston College
The 2023 ACC college football season begins Aug. 31, and several NFL scouts will have their eyes peeled on young prospects that will light up the conference and enter the 2024 draft.
Boston College slogged through a terrible campaign last season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and this is a make-or-break year for coach Jeff Hafley. Yet its offensive line, which was an Achilles heel last year, could be a strength in 2023 and contains a lot of next-level talent.
Meanwhile, Clemson, once a national powerhouse, has taken a step back. While it remains the class of the ACC, the school doesn't have a player highly touted for national awards. Regardless, the Tigers are loaded with NFL prospects, as Sportskeeda's mock draft simulator illustrates.
Top 2024 NFL draft prospects from ACC team Boston College
Injuries prevented the Eagles from developing a consistent offensive line in 2022, and as a result, quarterback Phil Jurkovec was beat up and then transferred to Pittsburgh. However, one of their better blockers returns this season, and several younger linemen are starting to blossom.
Drew Kendall
The Eagles have a tradition of developing next-level offensive linemen, and Drew Kendall is a chip off the old block. Like his father, Pete, a Boston College graduate and a first-round selection of the Seattle Seahawks in 1996, Kendall is quick, explosive and versatile.
The younger Kendall is strong at the point of attack, but he also shows a lot of ability blocking in motion. Unlike his father, who played guard, Drew lines up at center. Like his dad, Drew wears jersey No. 66.
Christian Mahogany
The Eagles' offensive line took a big hit last season when Christian Mahogany was lost for the year after sustaining an injury in fall camp. Mahogany has great size as well as power and shows a lot of athleticism at guard. His ability to return to form will dictate whether or not he’s a Day 2 choice or a late-rounder.
Other Boston College draft prospects
Ozzy Trapilo is a developing left tackle in the ACC, while Kyle Hergel is a tough and fundamentally sound guard who transferred from Texas State. Both are draftable players.
Top NFL draft prospects from ACC's Clemson for 2024
The Tigers had a pair of players selected in the first round in April and three drafted in the top 90 picks, all from the defensive side of the ball. Clemson may not have a player selected in the first round in 2024, but it could have six top 90 players drafted, all from the defensive side of the ball again.
Barrett Carter
Outside linebacker Trenton Simpson was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, but his playing mate Barrett Carter could be chosen a frame earlier. Carter, like Simpson, is an explosive sideline-to-sideline defender who shows great range on the field and covers a ton of area.
He’s outstanding in pursuit and shows a lot of ability in coverage. The difference between him and Simpson? Carter has much better instincts than his former teammate, who was always searching for the ball rather than diagnosing plays.
Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis
Much to the dismay of Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy, Clemson got a gift when Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis chose to return for a second senior season.
Orhorhoro shows the ability to dominate the opposition at 290 pounds, and he explodes off the snap and then blows plays up. Though slightly smaller, Davis has the style of a one-gap/three-technique tackle. He reminds observers of former Tigers star Grady Jarrett.
Nate Wiggins
Clemson has put a lot of defensive backs into the NFL, and Nate Wiggins is the latest version. The junior is a shutdown corner who plays feisty, athletic football and displays solid ball skills.
Wiggins has a slim frame that he must fill out, and don't totally dismiss an eventual rise into the first round.
Who among these ACC prospects will light up the 2024 NFL draft? Let us know in the comments section below!