Clemson Tigers edge rusher Will Heldt has received a major prediction for the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Clemson Tigers enter the 2026 season with promise after a disappointing finish in 2025. Clemson finished with a 7-6 record, missing out on the College Football Playoff and the ACC Title Game, and losing to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
The Tigers will be leaning on their stars, like edge rusher Will Heldt, to lead them to a great season in 2026. Heldt established himself as a top pass rusher in college football, and with another productive year, he could be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
In Bleacher Report's latest mock draft, Clemson has Heldt being selected by the Denver Broncos with the 21st overall pick.
The 21-year-old joining a talented Broncos defense could have him play at a high level in his rookie campaign.
"This projection is about maintaining a strength, seeing as the team's defense led the league in sacks over the last two years," Bleacher Report scout Matt Holder said. "The 6'6", 260-pound Heldt has great size and decent movement skills, along with the ability to push the pocket using a long-arm move and a nasty inside spin move as a counter."
USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectHeldt spent his first two seasons at Purdue, but didn't see the field much in his freshman year. In the 2024 season, Heldt recorded 56 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a fumble recovery.
He became a star in his first year at Clemson in 2025, finishing with 46 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Heldt is poised for another strong season off the edge for the Tigers and will be a key piece for their defense.
Dabo Swinney made a ton of changes to the team this offseason, bringing in Chad Morris as the offensive coordinator and Rich Bisaccia as the special teams coordinator, as well as adding players via the transfer portal. The significant moves will be pivotal in the Tigers' chances of a bounce-back year.
While Clemson lost a ton of players in the 2026 NFL Draft, they still have some stars on the roster, including Heldt.
