The Clemson Tigers have a sleeper who could end up being a first-round pick in next year's NFL Draft.
The Clemson Tigers may not be the powerhouse they once were, but they still always manage to put terrific players on the NFL level.
Take this past season, for instance. Clemson went just 7-6 in its worst showing since 2010, and yet, the Tigers still had nine players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Next year shouldn't be a whole lot different, as Clemson once again boasts a whole lot of professional talent going into 2026.
While wide receiver T.J. Moore, linebacker Sammy Brown and edge rusher Will Heldt seem to be the biggest names at the moment, there is another compelling Tigers player who could be a first-round pick, and no one seems to be talking about him: cornerback Ashton Hampton.
Hampton flew under the radar last season due to the presence of Avieon Terrell, who ended up getting selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the draft.
However, it stands to reason that Hampton is actually a better NFL prospect than Terrell, who some felt could be the best corner in the 2026 class.
Clemson Tigers cornerback Ashton Hampton. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.Hampton arrived at Clemson in 2024 and immediately earned himself a starting job, registering 27 tackles, a couple of interceptions (including a pick-six) and five passes defended during his freshman campaign.
Then, last year, Hampton racked up 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a pick and nine passes defended.
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Hampton possesses elite size for his position (similar to Sauce Gardner), and he is also incredibly athletic.
Hampton is very smooth in coverage while also having the ability to be very physical at the point of attack, making him an ideal fit for an NFL team that plays a lot of press man. Not only that, but he is a terrific tackle, as well.
Right now, Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is widely viewed as the top cornerback for the 2027 NFL Draft, and deservedly do. He's tremendous. But Hampton could very well find himself somewhere in the first round next spring.
Of course, this all depends on the type of junior season Hampton has. Remember: now-former Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods was viewed as a potential top-five pick heading into 2025, but a rough year resulted in him slipping to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 29.
If Hampton takes a step back this coming fall, he will likely end up as a Day 2 selection. But if he continues to show progress, it will be hard for NFL teams to ignore his incredible blend of size, athleticism and coverage skills in Round 1.
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