Two Clemson Tigers Star Offensive Players Get Selected in Recent NFL Mock Draft

As the NFL Draft approaches, college football fans turn their attention to the future of their favorite players, particularly those from powerhouse programs like the Clemson Tigers. Known for producing top-tier talent across various positions, Clemson has had a steady stream of NFL-bound athletes over the past decade. This year, two standout offensive players from the Tigers’ roster have generated significant buzz in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Their performances during the 2024 season and their individual potential have positioned them as intriguing prospects, with the most recent NFL mock drafts projecting them as first-round selections.

This article dives deep into the stories of these two Clemson stars—Cade Klubnik, the dynamic quarterback, and Will Shipley, the versatile running back—exploring their impact on the Tigers’ offense, their journey to the NFL, and how their skill sets make them ideal fits for potential NFL teams.

Cade Klubnik: The Quarterback Who Elevated Clemson’s Offense

Cade Klubnik, a former five-star recruit, has spent his time at Clemson steadily developing into one of the nation’s most promising quarterbacks. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal-caller arrived in Clemson as a highly touted recruit, following a standout high school career where he was lauded for his arm strength, mobility, and leadership skills. After taking over the starting quarterback role during his freshman season in 2023, Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance, but his full potential was realized during the 2024 season, when he became one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

Klubnik’s Development at Clemson

Klubnik’s first season as the starting quarterback in 2023 was a baptism by fire. While he showed flashes of brilliance with his deep-ball accuracy and ability to make plays on the run, there were moments when he struggled with consistency. However, his ability to bounce back and improve with each game highlighted his mental toughness and coachability. By the time the 2024 season rolled around, Klubnik had established himself as a true dual-threat quarterback—able to read defenses, execute under pressure, and lead his team effectively in the face of adversity.

Throughout the 2024 campaign, Klubnik displayed a level of maturity and precision that elevated Clemson’s offense. His completion percentage improved, and his deep-ball accuracy, one of his most lauded strengths, became a key weapon for the Tigers. What truly set Klubnik apart, however, was his ability to command the game and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations. Whether he was dropping dimes to his wide receivers downfield or using his legs to evade defenders and pick up crucial first downs, Klubnik showcased the traits of an NFL-ready quarterback.

In particular, his ability to manage the game in the pocket and deliver accurate throws on the move made him a standout. His football IQ was evident, as he showed the ability to read defenses and adjust to various defensive schemes. His leadership on and off the field was another factor that made him an appealing NFL prospect, as he demonstrated a calm demeanor in the huddle and the ability to inspire his teammates.

NFL Fit: How Klubnik Translates to the Next Level

Cade Klubnik’s skill set and growth at Clemson have made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to read defenses, combined with his strong arm and athleticism, makes him an ideal fit for NFL offenses that rely on both the pocket pass and the ability to make plays with the legs.

Mock drafts currently have Klubnik as one of the top quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first round. NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who possess the complete skill set, and Klubnik’s combination of accuracy, mobility, and football intelligence has caught the attention of scouts across the league. His pro potential is particularly suited to a team looking for a young quarterback with upside, capable of running both traditional and more modern, spread offenses.

One of the key attributes that NFL scouts have been impressed by is Klubnik’s ability to work in a pro-style system. His experience at Clemson under head coach Dabo Swinney, who has produced several NFL quarterbacks, has prepared him for the professional ranks. Additionally, his leadership qualities and natural ability to stay calm in high-pressure moments—two traits essential for any successful NFL quarterback—set him apart from others in this year’s quarterback class.

Will Shipley: A Versatile Weapon Who Can Do It All

While Cade Klubnik’s rise to NFL prominence has been well-documented, Will Shipley, Clemson’s standout running back, has quietly emerged as one of the most dynamic and complete offensive players in the country. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back from North Carolina has been the cornerstone of Clemson’s offensive attack for several seasons, and his combination of speed, vision, and versatility has made him a top prospect in the upcoming draft.

Shipley’s Impact on Clemson’s Offense

Shipley first made a name for himself as a freshman in 2022, but it was during the 2024 season that he truly cemented his status as one of the premier running backs in college football. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through the second level, and catch passes out of the backfield made him a triple-threat for opposing defenses. Throughout his career at Clemson, Shipley has demonstrated a unique blend of power, balance, and agility that makes him difficult to bring down.

What sets Shipley apart from many other running backs in this draft class is his versatility. He’s a dual-threat running back capable of not only dominating between the tackles but also being a reliable option in the passing game. In 2024, Shipley caught a career-high number of passes, showcasing his ability to run routes, create mismatches against linebackers, and make defenders miss in the open field. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver makes him an invaluable asset to any NFL offense that relies on running back involvement in the passing game.

Shipley’s vision and patience in reading his blockers also stand out. He has a remarkable ability to anticipate running lanes and use his blockers to his advantage, allowing him to find space and turn small gains into big plays. His combination of lateral quickness and burst allows him to make defenders miss in tight spaces, and his physicality helps him break through arm tackles when necessary.

NFL Fit: Shipley’s Adaptability in the Pros

Will Shipley’s diverse skill set makes him an attractive prospect for NFL teams that value running backs who can do more than just run the ball. Teams that run pass-heavy offenses with a focus on quick throws and screens will benefit from Shipley’s ability to catch passes and make defenders miss in space. Conversely, teams that focus on a power running game will find Shipley’s ability to pick up tough yards and gain extra yards after contact invaluable.

Currently, mock drafts are projecting Shipley to be selected in the first or second round, with many teams seeing him as a potential early contributor. His ability to step into a backfield and immediately contribute as both a runner and a receiver gives him an edge over other running backs in the class. With NFL offenses increasingly utilizing running backs as more than just ball carriers, Shipley’s well-rounded game will likely be a key selling point as teams look to bolster their offensive weapons.

For NFL teams with an offensive-minded head coach or an offensive coordinator looking to add a versatile player to their system, Shipley’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could make him a perfect fit. His durability, vision, and pass-catching ability position him to be an early contributor, much like some of the top running backs currently in the NFL.

Clemson’s Offensive Future: A New Generation of Talent

The selections of Cade Klubnik and Will Shipley in recent NFL mock drafts represent the continuation of Clemson’s legacy of producing elite talent. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have become known for their ability to recruit and develop players capable of excelling at the highest level of college football. Klubnik and Shipley are two of the latest examples of Clemson’s commitment to cultivating talent and preparing athletes for the NFL.

Their potential departure for the NFL will undoubtedly leave a void in Clemson’s offensive backfield, but the Tigers have already begun the process of replenishing their roster with young talent. As Klubnik and Shipley make their way to the professional ranks, they will serve as a testament to Clemson’s success in developing athletes who are capable of succeeding at the next level.