The first 32 picks of this year’s NFL Draft were announced, and two former Tigers were selected. Blake Miller was the first Clemson player off the board. He was the first former Tiger to be selected in the first round since Nate Wiggins in the 2024 draft. Peter Woods was next, coming off the draft board late in the first round.
Clemson’s First Round Draft Picks
Blake Miller to Detroit
Miller was picked by the Detroit Lions with the 17th pick. This makes him the highest drafted Clemson offensive lineman since 1960.
Miller made a steady rise up the draft boards throughout this year’s draft process. Going into Thursday night, Miller was tabbed as a top-five offensive tackle. He was the fourth tackle taken and fifth offensive lineman drafted overall.
Detroit is a great organization for Miller to land in. His physical style of play will fit right in with the culture Dan Campbell has built. Miller’s aggressive run blocking will work well with the Lions’ goals to be strong in the run game to set up the play-action pass.
The Lions have been looking to continue building their offensive line after losing tackle Taylor Decker this offseason. Miller will have a chance to make an impact early in the Motor City. NFL insiders say Detroit’s current plan is to move former first-round pick Penei Sewell to left tackle. That will put Miller at right tackle to protect Jared Goff’s front side.
Peter Woods to Kansas City
Woods got picked by perennial Super Bowl favorites, the Kansas City Chiefs, 29th overall. Woods fell down the board a bit compared to where some insiders had him predicted to go. However, his first-round status was in jeopardy following a tough 2025 season. Woods’ individual production fell off in 2025. He had 30 total tackles, which was two more than in 2024. But he had 10 fewer solo tackles in 2025 than he did in 2024. He also had five fewer tackles for loss in his final year at Clemson. Still, he made first team All-ACC on defense in 2025.
The Chiefs still believe in the player Woods has shown to be for the majority of his career, though. Woods’ quick get-off and strong hands make him a dangerous interior defensive lineman. Playing next to a high-end defensive tackle like Chris Jones will give Woods the opportunity to see plenty more one-on-one blocks compared to his last season in Clemson. Having the ability to play on a team run by NFL coaching legend Andy Reid will also be beneficial to Woods’ early career development.
Who’s Next?
Clemson defensive linemen DeMonte Capehart and T.J. Parker, receiver Antonio Williams, and quarterback Cade Klubnik are still hopeful of hearing their names called in rounds two through seven of this year’s NFL draft, which runs Friday through Saturday.
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