This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Former Clemson stars named NFL players who could shaped the 2026 season
CBS Sports believes four players with Clemson ties could play key roles during the 2026 NFL season.
The outlet recently released its list of 50 under-the-radar NFL players who could shape the upcoming season. Veteran offensive lineman John Simpson led the Clemson group at No. 23 as he returns to the Baltimore Ravens after spending the last two years with the New York Jets.
“Simpson is returning to Baltimore after playing there in 2023 and spending the last two years with the Jets. He was very good in 2024 but just OK in 2025 – though the Jets’ offense as a whole was a mess. The Ravens hope Simpson and first-round pick Olaivavega Ioane provide major upgrades at the guard spots,” Zachary Pereles said.
Defensive tackle D.J. Reader landed at No. 30 after joining the New York Giants, where he’ll help address a defense that struggled against the run last season.
“For all the excitement surrounding Year 1 of John Harbaugh, Year 2 of Jaxson Dart and two first-round picks, the Giants still need to figure out a way to stop getting run all over; last year, they allowed an NFL-worst 5.3 yards per carry. They traded Dexter Lawrence away and didn’t find a replacement in the draft. Instead, the interior of the defensive line features Reader and other veterans,” Pereles said.
Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy came in at No. 42 after showing progress late last season.
“Murphy quietly, finally started delivering on his first-round status over the second half of last season. As a full-time starter from Week 9 onward, he had four sacks and a 13.4% pressure rate, well above his career rate of 10.4%. The Bengals added many pieces to their defense, but Murphy putting it all together would be a major development. It’s also a big year for him after the Bengals declined his fifth-year option,” Pereles said.
ESPN analyst breaks down Clemson’s heated QB battle ahead of 2026 season 📸 Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images https://t.co/1dPQCI39KW pic.twitter.com/3dC0DvNEtg
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) July 25, 2026 Former Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba, who finished his college career at Texas, rounded out the group at No. 50 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Mukuba plays with reckless abandon, aggressively going after anyone with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately, his rookie year ended prematurely after a friendly-fire collision resulted in a fractured ankle and fibula. Philadelphia is counting on the 2025 second-rounder to shine after losing Reed Blankenship in free agency,” Pereles said.
With the regular season drawing closer, all four players will have an opportunity to show they belong among the NFL’s most overlooked difference-makers in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson stars named NFL players who could shaped the 2026 season
Former ClemsonNFLCBS SportsClemsonVeteranJohn SimpsonBaltimore RavensNew York JetsSimpsonBaltimoreJetsThe Ravens
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