CLEMSON, S.C. — By this time next week, the NFL Draft will be completed. Compared to recent years, this year’s draft class at Clemson will be small.
Five former Tigers could get drafted in cornerbacks Andrew Booth and Mario Goodrich, wide receiver Justyn Ross, linebacker Baylon Spector and safety Nolan Turner. However, Booth is the only former Tiger expected to be drafted in the first round.
“The more you watch him on tape, the more you like what you see,” said Charles Davis of the NFL Network.
Davis has Booth going No. 21 overall to the New England Patriots.
“The Pats have lost Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson over the last two years, so this Clemson Tiger will be drafted to play right now,” he said.
Pro Football Focus and ESPN’s Todd McShay have Booth going No. 25 to Buffalo.
“Buffalo needs cornerback help and Booth is a physical corner who can fit perfectly into that defense and bring a very high ceiling to the table — even if he needs a little work to get there,” Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus said. “Booth has elite footwork but just one year as a full-time starter while posting some ugly losses in that season. Booth is a pick long on potential, but one who could become good in a hurry given the tools he has at his disposal.”
The NFL Network’s Rhett Lewis has the All-ACC corner going No. 27 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr., has him going No. 29 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
If Booth is picked in the first round, it would mark the ninth year in the last 10 at least one former Clemson player was selected in the first round of an NFL Draft.
