2014 NFL draft: Clemson OL prospect Brandon Thomas tears ACL

Brandon Thomas (left) is expected to switch to guard upon entering the NFL. (Lee Coleman/Icon SMI) Former Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Brandon Thomas

Brandon Thomas (left) is expected to switch to guard upon entering the NFL. (Lee Coleman/Icon SMI)

Former Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Brandon Thomas suffered a torn ACL last week, an unfortunate turn of events for a prospect that appeared headed toward an early-round selection in next month's NFL draft.

The news was confirmed by ESPN's Adam Caplan on Monday afternoon.

Thomas (6-foot-3, 317 pounds) is coming off an outstanding set of practices during the Senior Bowl and was seen as a probable second- or third-round pick before suffering his injury, according to NFL personnel sources.

Thomas reportedly suffered the injury during a workout, and it remains to be seen how severely it will impact his draft status. Thomas spent most of his time at tackle in college, but he did play nine games at guard and practiced on the interior line during the Senior Bowl with the expectation that he would likely shift to guard as a pro.

Thomas started 36 games for the Tigers and played well when matched up at left tackle across from Jadeveon Clowney in Clemson's 2013 game against South Carolina, leaving NFL scouts excited over his impressive set of skills.

Many mock drafts placed Thomas in the second or third round before the injury, and some believed he could even slide up into the first round, with teams constantly in need of talented offensive lineman.

It's expected that Thomas will miss the entirety of his rookie season.

MORE: 2014 NFL Mock Draft Database | Top centers | Top guards | Top tackles | Top RBs