This Clemson Tigers sleeper could end up being a high pick in next year's NFL Draft.
When it comes to putting players on to the NFL level, few programs do it better than the Clemson Tigers.
Even last year, after Clemson went just 7-6 in its worst campaign since 2010, the Tigers managed to place nine players in the NFL Draft, tying a school record.
It remains to be seen how many Clemson products get drafted next spring, but it looks like there will be quite a lot as we proceed into the 2026 season.
The Tigers have compelling NFL talents on both sides of the ball, and perhaps the most underrated of them all is cornerback Ashton Hampton.
Hampton will be stepping into the No. 1 cornerback role for Clemson this fall now that Avieon Terrell is playing for the Atlanta Falcons, and he might even be a better player than Terrell even was during his final season with the Tigers.
In fact, ESPN's Jordan Reid already has Hampton tabbed as one of the best cornerbacks in next spring's class, placing a first-round grade on the junior defender.
Clemson Tigers cornerback Ashton Hampton. Credit: USA TODAY Network."Corner really excites me, too, with Leonard Moore projecting as a top-10 pick with shutdown potential. Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia) and Ashton Hampton (Clemson) also have Round 1 grades on my board," Reid wrote.
Considering that cornerback is slated to be an incredibly deep position in the 2027 class, the fact that Hampton earned such lofty praise from Reid speaks volumes.
Hampton arrived at Clemson in 2024 and immediately received significant playing time during his freshman season, logging 27 tackles, a couple of interceptions (including a pick-six) and five passes defended.
Then, last year, the 20-year-old took a major step forward, finishing with 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and nine passes defended.
At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Hampton possesses elite size for the position. He's strong, he's physical, he tackles well and he also has impressive speed, especially given his stature.
Hampton unquestionably has lockdown potential on the professional level, and it would not be the least bit surprising to see him establish himself as one of the best cornerbacks in college football this fall.
Opposite Hampton will be either Branden Strozier or transfer addition Elliot Washington II at the No. 2 cornerback slot.
