Former Clemson Players Earned Top Rookie Honors
Three former Tigers secured spots on the Pro Football Focus list for the top 10 rookies from NFL Week 1.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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Pro Football Focus ranked three former Clemson players among the top 10 rookies following their performances in NFL Week 1. These recognition metrics highlight the immediate impact made by the former college standouts.
Why it matters
The high grades reflect the successful transition of these players into the professional league. Recognition from established evaluators suggests these rookies are already providing meaningful contributions to their respective teams.
Antonio Williams received a 91.2 grade, Peter Woods earned an 83.2, and Blake Miller recorded a 74.7. These scores were achieved among rookies who met the league-standard requirement of at least 20 snaps played.
The players
Antonio Williams
He is a rookie wide receiver who recorded four catches and a touchdown during his first professional week.
Peter Woods
He is a defensive rookie who recorded two tackles and a pass deflection in his first NFL appearance.
Blake Miller
He is an offensive lineman who started at right tackle and played 77 snaps before sustaining a knee injury.
Pro Football Focus
This organization provides advanced analytical grading for professional football players based on game footage and statistics.
The details
Antonio Williams secured four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Peter Woods contributed two tackles, one QB hurry, and one pass deflection. Blake Miller started at right tackle, allowing one pressure across 77 offensive snaps in his debut.
Timeline
Three Clemson rookies were honored for their performances during Week 1.
Pro Football Focus released the official top 10 rookie list on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The recognition of three Clemson rookies signals a strong start for the program's recent draft class. This early performance trend positions these athletes to potentially influence starting rosters and competitive depth as the season progresses.
Blake Miller has been officially ruled out for the upcoming Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury. Fantasy managers and team observers should adjust expectations for the offensive line rotation accordingly.
The takeaway
Consistent performance in early-season games is a critical indicator of a rookie's ability to handle the professional schedule. Observers should track snap counts as a primary metric for identifying which first-year players are cementing their roles.
Further reading
For more on the latest news from the collegiate program, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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