College Football: Replacements for every first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

28. Clemson football replacement for Myles Murphy (Bengals): Xavier Thomas

Not only does Dabo Swinney have to figure out how to replace Myles Murphy on the edge, but he has to do the same with his second-best presence at the position from a year ago, K.J. Henry, who was an early fifth-round pick by the Commanders.

It feels weird to call Xavier Thomas a replacement for Murphy and Henry given that he’s entering his sixth season with the Tigers program, but it makes practical sense. He’s a former 5-star recruit who has been riddled with injuries throughout his college career, but there have always been signs of the player he can be.

Clemson needs Thomas to stay healthy and put together a full season of that to be the defensive force they hope to be in the ACC in the 2023 season.

29. Clemson football replacement for Bryan Bresee (Saints): Ruke Orhorhoro

Staying with Clemson, there isn’t as much crossing of fingers and praying on the interior of the defensive line as there is on the edge. Yes, Bryan Bresee was an all-world talent, but he also never fully realized all of that potential with injuries and off-field circumstances playing a factor in that.

Because of that, though, we saw a lot of Ruke Orhorhoro last season alongside another stud, Tyler Davis, and know what he brings to the table, particularly as a pass-rusher. Despite Bresee’s pedigree, you could make the argument that Orhorhoro was the more effective penetrator from the interior and pairing him with Davis as the starters in 2023 could make for quite an effective pairing.