Clemson has produced loads of NFL defensive linemen over the last couple of years, but that doesn’t mean the Tigers are running out of talent.
Following the 2014 season, the program lost six key contributors from the defensive front. Two of those — including No. 8 overall pick Vic Beasley — were selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, while three others signed free-agent contracts.
The Tigers still managed to finish in the nation’s top 10 in fewest yards allowed per game last fall, and three D-linemen from that team — ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd and tackle D.J. Reader — heard their names called in the NFL Draft two weeks ago.
Given those losses, one of the top questions for Dabo Swinney’s team this fall is how it will replace the departed stars from one of the best defensive lines in the conference. Rather than slipping into rebuilding mode, however, the unit will be looking to remain among the league’s best. Get access to the rest of this article and unlimited access to the rest of ACCSports.com when you upgrade to Premium Access! Click on the button below to view all the benefits of becoming a Premium Access member.Get the rest of the story right now with Premium Access!
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