Clemson and elite company

If you're trying to make the case that Clemson has not underachieved in recent years relative to the amount of talent on hand, don't try determining where the Tigers' draft numbers stack up nationally.

Over the past five NFL Drafts, Clemson's 22 picks are tied for eighth nationally with Iowa.

And if "elite company" is defined in this case as teams that advanced to a BCS bowl over that stretch, then Clemson stands out for its lack of elite credentials.

Of course, the Tigers were excruciatingly close to landing in the BCS two years ago when they failed to hold a late lead against Georgia Tech in the ACC title game before falling 39-34.

Nevertheless, the numbers from the past five drafts are pretty striking:

1. Southern Cal
Draft picks: 42
Record: 51-14
10-win seasons: 3
BCS appearances: 3

2. LSU
Draft picks: 30
Record: 51-15
10-win seasons: 3
BCS appearances: 2

3. Florida
Draft picks: 27
Record: 56-12
10-win seasons: 3
BCS appearances: 3

3. Ohio State
Draft picks: 27
Record: 56-9
10-win seasons: 5
BCS appearances: 5

5. Georgia
Draft picks: 26
Record: 44-21
10-win seasons: 2
BCS appearances: 1

5. Texas
Draft picks: 26
Record: 50-15
10-win seasons: 4
BCS appearances: 2

7. Oklahoma
Draft picks: 23
Record: 54-15
10-win seasons: 4
BCS appearances: 4

8. Clemson
Draft picks: 22
Record: 39-27
10-win seasons: 0
BCS appearances: 0

8. Iowa
Draft picks: 22
Record: 40-24
10-win seasons: 1
BCS appearances: 1

And here are some teams that have managed to land in the BCS in recent years with fewer draft picks:

Auburn
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Oregon
Boise State
Arkansas
Penn State

LW