This underrated Clemson Tigers star just received an impressive NFL Draft outlook.
The Clemson Tigers have quite a few players who could ultimately be first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker Sammy Brown and defensive end Will Heldt have already drawn considerable attention heading into the 2026 college football season, but perhaps the most intriguing prospect of them all is cornerback Ashton Hampton.
Hampton isn't a household name, but he is coming off of a very solid sophomore campaign in which he registered 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and nine passes defended.
The 20-year-old was playing alongside of Avieon Terrell — who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons — last season, so he definitely flew under the radar.
But those in the know are finally giving Hampton the attention he deserves.
Take Dane Brugler of The Athletic, for example, who recently ranked Hampton No. 3 on his list of top cornerback prospects for next year's draft class.
Clemson Tigers cornerback Ashton Hampton. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images."Hampton is a big athlete who is as physical as he is explosive," Brugler wrote. "That’s a good starting point for a cornerback prospect. He is at his best near the line of scrimmage, where he can unlock and drive in the quick game or ride receivers from press man, using his violent hands to reroute his opponent."
Hampton stands around 6-foot-3 and weighs 204 pounds, giving him tremendous size for his position. He actually played both sides of the ball in high school, but ended up transitioning to full-time cornerback in college.
Not only is Hampton smooth in coverage, but he is also a terrific open-field tackler, making him a force in the run game.
Brugler feels that the junior defender could be a top-50 pick next spring.
"Since 2020, Clemson has produced four cornerbacks drafted in the top 50. With his length and his explosive skill set, Hampton should be next," Brugler wrote.
Of course, Hampton's draft stock will largely depend on how well he performs in Year 3, but based on his showing in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, you can probably expect an outstanding year from the Tallahassee, Fl. native.
