NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 draft prospects from the ACC

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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

This year’s 2017 NFL Draft is filled heavily with defensive standouts, but the ACC still has a talented crop of players.

The Atlantic Coast Conference had a big season in the college football ranks. The Clemson Tigers took home the National Championship and as a result, a lot of players improved their draft stocks. After 60 players participated in this year’s NFL Combine, ACC players prepare to take the next steps in their careers.

The Clemson Tigers, Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes led all ACC schools with 9 invites to the combine. As players await their names to be called on April 27, we look at some players who could make a splash at the next level.

The ACC had a lot of talent on the field in 2016. Quarterbacks Brad Kaaya (Miami), Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina), Deshaun Watson (Clemson) and Jerod Evans (Virginia Tech) are all early draft entrants. Watson and Trubisky are two players who could see their names called early. Kaaya and Evans could be late-round picks who develop into more complete passers.

In terms of wide receivers, Clemson’s Mike Williams leads a thin but potentially talented group into the 2017 NFL Draft. Also in this draft are North Carolina receivers Bug Howard, Mack Hollins and Ryan Switzer. Each player was a key to much of Mitchell Trubisky’s success in 2016.

Defensively, there are also some gems. While not highly rated, Seminoles defensive end Demarcus Walker and Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins are two players who could make big splashes with the right situation.

Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects from the ACC to watch in the NFL Draft.

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