Former Clemson Stars Make List of Best NFL Players in Last 20 Years

Former Clemson Stars Make List of Best NFL Players in Last 20 Years says Pro Football Focus compiled its “All-PFF Team” identifying top NFL performers at each position over the past two decades. Former Clemson players DeAndre Hopkins and Dexter Lawrence were included, with Hopkins named to the first-team offensive unit and Lawrence to the first-team defensive nose tackle spot. Hopkins, now 34 and a free agent entering training camps, played last season with the Baltimore Ravens after a one-year March 2025 deal. In 17 games he recorded 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns, and his career totals include 1,006 catches, 13,295 yards and 85 touchdowns since being drafted by Houston in 2013. Lawrence was acquired by the Cincinnati Bengals in April from the New York Giants for the No. 10 pick in the 2026 draft and signed a one-year $28 million extension, keeping him under contract through 2028 at $70 million total. PFF cited elite grades at nose tackle, including a 15.5% pass-rush win rate.