This Clemson Tigers star has earned himself quite the NFL Draft outlook for 2027.
The Clemson Tigers may have gone just 7-6 last season, which represented their worst showing since 2010. However, they still placed nine players in the NFL Draft.
Such is the way at Clemson, a school that has consistently produced top-tier NFL talent. Especially under Dabo Swinney.
Heading into 2026, the Tigers are once again loaded with NFL prospects on both sides of the ball, and they could have multiple players selected in the first round next spring.
Case in point, Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently ranked the top linebackers in the 2027 draft class, and No. 1 on the list was Clemson star Sammy Brown.
"Based on summer scouting, Brown is the clear LB1 entering the 2026 season," Brugler wrote. "... Brown is a big-time athlete, and that will always be his foundation as a player, but his tackling technique, diagnose skills and motor are all strengths, as well — and they’re continuing to get better. Clemson has had a defensive player selected in the first round of three of the past four drafts, and Brown is up next in that pipeline."
Clemson Tigers linebacker Sammy Brown. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.Brown arrived at Clemson in 2024 and immediately made an impact, registering 80 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The former five-star recruit then had an even stronger showing last year, racking up 106 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, an interception and five passes defended.
Brown's size may be a slight concern, as he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 234 pounds, but it's not like he's so undersized that it will cost him dearly.
The Commerce, Ga. native is one of several Tigers defenders who could be first-round selections next April, with cornerback Ashton Hampton and defensive end Will Heldt representing the other two.
This past year, defensive tackle Peter Woods went No. 29 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs. Edge rusher T.J. Parker and cornerback Avieon Terrell both went in Round 2. Linebacker Wade Woodaz and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart were both selected on Day 3.
Of course, it's important to remember that Woods was viewed as a potential top-five pick heading into last year, and most had Parker tabbed as a first-rounder.
Brown needs to remember that and be sure not to slack off in what should be his final season at Clemson.
