Championship weekend is always a great time to see NFL prospects. With the continued shift towards prospects skipping bowl games to protect their health, this may be the last game in a college jersey for some players.
There’s one “can’t miss” match-up if you’re a football fan — that’s Georgia and Alabama, two teams the Patriots draft heavily out of, and so we’ll do a deep dive on that game and keep it high level on the rest.
No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 Georgia in Atlanta, 4 p.m. on CBS
Alabama Offense
Evan Neal (LT) #73: He’s an easy first-rounder. He’s 6-foot-7, 350 pounds and has the athleticism to match his physical stature. He’s played multiple positions while at Alabama and he’s solid in the pass and run game. His battles against the Georgia defensive line will be fun.
Jameson Williams (WR) #1: He has plus speed and he explodes out of his breaks to get on defenders. He occasionally has some concentration drops but looks smooth most of the time. Once Jameson has the ball in his hands, he is dangerous. He’s the best WR prospect on the Alabama team and while it’s a deep WR class, I still think he’s a first-rounder.
John Metchie (WR) #8: He’s a very good route runner and beat Auburn CB Roger McCreary for a TD last week on a great goal-line route. I am concerned about his physicality at the next level, but the Patriots should get a feel for his quickness (3 cone drill) to see if he’s a slot option. He’s a Day 2 selection.
Bryce Young (QB) #9: He’s not eligible for the draft but he’s a potential Heisman Trophy winner. He gives off Russell Wilson vibes because of his size, arm, ability to keep plays alive and match the moment. Young will be a first-rounder when he’s eligible.
Brian Robinson (RB) #4: He’s questionable to play in the SEC championship which is too bad because Robinson has waited his turn behind current NFL starters, Damien Harris and Najee Harris. He’s having a very good year with over 1,000 yards and 14 TDs. He runs with purpose, and he can punish the tackler if they don't pack their lunch. Brian has NFL size and wiggle and would be a solid pick in the 3rd round.
Jaleel Billingsley (TE) #19: Some prognosticators have him rated as a top TE in the draft. He’s overrated and I am not sure what they are watching. He needs more polish, bulk, and most important consistency. Great athlete, for a TE, which can make him a mismatch, but he doesn’t do it play to play, game to game. He’s not a fit in New England.
Alabama Defense
Will Anderson (EDGE) #31: Perhaps the best football player in the college game, which is incredible considering he’s not eligible for the draft. Leads the country in sacks. He’ll be a top 3 pick next year.
Phidarian Mathis (DT) #48: The next solid DT (last year was Christian Barmore) to play for Alabama. He doesn’t have the upside of some of Alabama’s recent top picks, but he’s played well this year. He relies on power and hustle, so many team’s double teams start with him so that they can run the ball. Started the year as a Day 3 pick and he’s played himself into the Top 75.
Henry To'Oto'To (LB) #10: The Tennessee transfer led the Crimson Tide tackles (93) but I don’t think he’s consistent enough to be a top 50 pick (where I had him earlier in the year). He’s a draftable player but he should stay in the program another year.
Christian Harris (LB) #8: He has great potential and was tabbed as the next in the recent lineage of Tide standout LBs (which includes Dont’a Hightower). He hasn’t quite lived up to that billing this year and there’s been teams that have been able to run on Alabama. This is an important game for him.
Jordan Battle (S) #9: He has played a lot for the Tide over the last few years. He’s a good player and some GMs may feel he is a safe pick because of his uniform, the Saban effect, & playing experience - all of which could get him into Round 2. I have him rated as the 4th or 5th safety in the class.
Byron Smith (DT) #47: He’s going to be a key player in this game, stopping the Georgia run game. He can line up inside or play DE on early downs. Good, effective role player at the next level.
Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB) #5: The Alabama defense has played better as Armour-Davis has continued to get his footing. Good size, competitive player that leads the team in INT’s. There’s a chance he gets all-conference recognition.
Josh Jobe (CB) #28: He came into the season as the top returning CB for the Tide, with lots of playing experience and expectations. He’s physical and doesn’t shy away from tackling but he does way too much grabbing at this point in his career (and he’s an older guy for college). I think if he had a different helmet, GMs would look at him differently (especially given the penalties & focus issues). He’s a Day 3 pick.
Georgia Defense
Nakobe Dean (LB) #17: The leader of the Georgia defense. I love this kid’s energy and physicality. I am not going to say he’s going to be a Hall of Famer; this isn’t First Take, but he reminds me of Ray Lewis coming out of Miami. He doesn’t fit the traditional mold of an interior LB for the Patriots but he's a player and they could use his athleticism.
Jordan Davis (DT) #99: Remember running into walls as a kid? That’s Davis. He’s very hard to run at directly, has plus athleticism given his size, and has been more consistent this year (that was his past issue). Because of the notoriety this season, I suspect a team that can’t stop the run will select him to be their anchor. I compare him to former Jacksonville Jaguar, John Henderson.
Jalen Carter (DT) #88: Keep an eye for this sophomore - he’s a mini-Richard Seymour and I say that with the utmost respect.
Nolan Smith (LB) #4: Smith is a really good college football player. At the next level, I see him more of an off-the-ball backer that brings great pass rush potential. He has a very similar profile as current Patriot, Josh Uche. Based on his instincts and athletic make-up I think he likely falls in Round 2.
Lewis Cine (S) #16: The Bulldogs had 2 DB’s go in the top 40 picks in the last draft and Cine was the best returning player in the secondary. He has solid range and is not afraid to come up to deliver a big hit. He is 3rd on the defense in tackles. He’s a Day 2 pick.
Derion Kendrick (CB) #11: The Clemson transfer has some off-field concerns that will need to be addressed at the NFL Combine and via draft interviews. Great size, experience, and athleticism for a corner. He can hunt the football as a CB. Top 50 talent that may fall on draft weekend.
Channing Tindall (LB) #41: He has really come on this season, and he was dominating in the game against Tennessee. Those inside the program say he's the guy you want in the "dark alley". Not as tall but still good size, productive (leads the team in tackles), and hits like an 18-wheeler. He’s another Day 2 selection.
Devonte Wyatt (DT) #95: One of the starting defensive tackles who has plus athleticism for the position. Not a very deep DT class this year which makes him a Top 100 type player.
Tykee Smith (S) #23: Didn’t play much for the Bulldogs this year because of an injury but he was on the watchlist for some preseason awards. He’s most effective in the slot, which is a potential target for the Patriots. Unclear if he’ll declare given his health this season but an NFL team can always use good slot corners.
Quay Walker (LB) #7: He has ideal size for an NFL linebacker (6-foot-4, 240 pounds). He’s started every game and he played very well against Florida and Kentucky. Difficult evaluation with all the talent around him (they are just so dominating at so many positions) but I think he’s an early Day 3 player.
Travon Walker (DE) #44: Great size make-up and versatile along the line for the Bulldogs. He can win with quickness against guards and when he's on the edge he isn't a complete liability dropping into coverage. His best position is on the edge, but he'll be scheme versatile at the next level. Walker could be a strong-side DE that has a very productive career. He’s rising up draft boards.
Georgia Offense
Jamaree Salyer (T) #69: Best lineman for the Bulldogs who has been injured but hoping to play on Saturday. He’s a good athlete with strong mirroring technique. He can drive people off the ball in the run game His NFL future is at guard and he’s a top 100 pick.
Zamir White (RB) #3: The leader of a very talented 4-man RB rotation. White has NFL RB size and can run effectively between the tackles. He likely won’t make a lot of people miss at the next level, but he’ll get what’s blocked plus YAC. For those of you who play fantasy football, good potential under-the-radar pick. Top 75 draft selection.
James Cook (RB) #4: The brother of current Viking, Dalvin Cook, he runs with the same style. He’s been a bit more explosive than White this year (averages 6.5 YPC). He’s an NFL player but not an early pick.
George Pickens (WR) #1: He’s missed the offseason and this season (except a few plays last week against GT) working his way back from an ACL tear. He’ll likely be on a pitch count but he's a player that can make an impact with just a few plays. He has a first-round skillset, but the injury history and his maturity will be the most important factor in his draft stock.
Brock Bowers (TE) #19: One of the best freshmen in the country and a future star. He leads the team with 37 catches, 652 yards and 10 receiving TD’s.
Here are the other games with some key prospects to watch
No. 9 Baylor vs. No. 5 Oklahoma State, Noon on ABC
Baylor
DB #8 Jalen Pitre is just a football player. Positionally, he’s a tweener for the NFL because of his size and he’s best in the box. He loves the game, constantly makes plays, team captain, etc. I don’t think they will target him at the end of Round 2 or early Round 3 but he does exhibit Patriot traits. He should be the Big-12 DPOY...RB #7 Abram Smith is one of my sleepers for the Patriots. I would love him in the Brandon Bolden role. He’s difficult to tackle because he runs with real force (finished 2nd in the conference with 1,366 yards). Teammates love him and say he’s the guy you don’t mess with...NT #62 Siaki Ika is a potential target as a run stopper on Day 3. One of the better true NT prospects...LB #2 Terrel Bernard is a little undersized for the traditional Patriots linebacker but he’s a top 100 pick (3rd, maybe beginning of the 4th round)...WR #9 Tyquan Thornton is a potential late-round pick.
Oklahoma State
LB #20 Malcolm Rodriquez is the leader of the Cowboys defense that has carried the team this year, is a tackling machine (finished 2nd in the conference with 107 tackles). He would be a good depth player for the Patriots in a Larry Izzo role...G #72 Josh Sills is a great run blocker, has some pop when he hits. His challenge will be against athletic rushers. He’s worth a late-round pick, brings the nasty attitude many teams desire, but will need to earn his way on the field...G Hunter Woodward is another late-round NFL prospect...S #31 Kolby Harvell-Peel is more of a box safety who can be physical in the run game and cover college TE’s. Potential Day 3 player.
Utah State at No. 19 San Diego State, 3:00 p.m. on FOX
San Diego State — DE #99 Cameron Thomas is a top 75 player before scouts start to fall in love. He leads the MWC in sacks (10.5) and TFL (20). He’s a good player. He could rise up draft boards and land in the first round...CB #9 Taylor Hawkins a Round 4-6 prospect at a position of need for the Patriots.
Utah State — WR #13 Deven Thompkins is a priority free agent or 7th round pick because of his size (5-foot-8, 155 pounds). But he’s the conference leader in receiving yards (over some other NFL targets). He’s a slot player who will have to make a roster with his return capability. Good player with the ball in his hands.
Appalachian State at No. 20 Louisiana – 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
Louisiana: RT #74 Max Mitchell would be the 3rd straight year that Louisiana has had a lineman drafted. His game isn’t power, he’s good on the move and accurate with hands. Likely a Round 4-5 pick…G #58 O'Cyrus Torrence is likely to remain in school but he’s going to be a really good player. Next year he’ll be a top 50-75 pick.
Appalachian State: LB #52 D’Marco Jackson is a day 3 pick. He leads the team in tackles, TFL, and was DPOY in the Sun Belt Conference.
No. 16 Houston at No. 3 Cincinnati, 4 p.m. on ABC
Cincinnati: CB #1 Ahmad Gardner is a potential first-round target for the Patriots...QB #9 Desmond Ridder is the 3rd best QB in this class by my estimation but the ceiling is an average NFL starter...DE #21 Myjai Sanders has disappointed this season but he has SEC level athleticism and he’ll get drafted on Day 2...CB # 7 Coby Bryant is a good player the Pats will evaluate him and he’ll get drafted between Round 3 & 5...WR #12 Alec Pierce is a tough kid that plays like a linebacker. Good athlete but doesn’t always catch the ball cleanly. He’s likely a 3rd rounder...RB #21 Jerome Ford is an Alabama transfer who’s very productive and a big part of the Bearcat offense. Day 3 pick...S #6 Bryan Cook is a very good tackler, Day 3 pick...TE #81 Josh Wyle can make plays with his athleticism and solid red-zone target but it’s a deep class for athletic TE’s. End of Day 3 or PFA...LB #0 Darrian Beavers is one of the leaders of the Bearcat. His testing scores will be important. Potential for Day 3.
Houston: DL #92 Logan Hall has a good motor, and he can play anywhere along the line of scrimmage. Top 75 pick...CB #8 Marcus Jones is an elite returner. He has the most return TDs in NCAA history (9), and he ended the game against SMU with a kickoff return. He’ll be a nickel at the next level but teams that prioritize special teams (like the Patriots) will have him higher on their board.
No. 18 Wake Forest vs. No. 17 Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. on ABC
Wake Forest: WR #5 Jaquarii Roberson is a very good slot player and that’s a position I expect the Patriots to target on Day 3. Roberson will be part of their evaluation...QB #10 Sam Hartman was 2nd-team All-ACC (behind Kenny Pickett). I expect him to return next year but he’s a classic Day 3 pick. Good competitor, athletic, NFL backup...T #50 Zach Tom was first-team All-ACC and he’s a good potential depth piece on Day 3. He’s smart, has tons of playing experience but he needs time in an NFL program...WR A.T. Perry is not eligible but he’s a future NFL starter. First-team All-ACC.
Pittsburgh: QB #8 Kenny Pickett will be one of the first two QBs taken in the draft this year. Most years he wouldn’t be considered a first-rounder but it’s a weak draft class. He’s had a great season and we’ll dive deeper on him in the offseason...WR #3 Jordan Addison is a future Day 1 or Day 2 pick. All-American type season as Pickett’s primary target...DT #8 Calijah Kancey is a future All-American and he’ll be a household name next year. He’s not very big for a DT (6-foot, 275 pounds) but he has a good motor. The easy comparison, because of his size and production, is former Pitt Panther Aaron Donald. I don’t think Kancey is a Hall of Famer, but neither was Donald in college...both DE #86 Habakkuk Baldonado & LB #7 Dennis SirVocea will be big college names next year.
No. 15 Iowa vs. No. 2 Michigan, 8 p.m. on FOX
Iowa: C #65 Tyler Linderbaum is the best center in college football. He’s not going to be for everyone because he’s not very big (current Charger Corey Linsley is a good comparable). He’s a former wrestler and started his career on good defense. Uses that experience to play with leverage, athleticism, and toughness. First-round selection....LB #31 Jack Campbell is a big kid, who has a frame that can add solid NFL weight. Plays weakside LB for the Hawkeyes but he has scheme versatility. He’s 2nd in the conference in tackles (124). If he declares he’s a Day 2 pick...CB #8 Matt Hankins has good size and overs value against the run. He can be a ball hawk but limited experience with man coverage. Round 3 selection.... CB #33 Riley Moss is a gamer and a good college football player. Doesn’t have ideal CB athleticism but projects as a back of the roster depth player...TE #84 Sam LaPorta has very good size, he is a crafty route runner, and he’s tough over the middle. The TE leads the Hawkeyes in receiving. I like him...G #64 Kyler Schott is a really solid college guard. He’s strong in the run game, good hands. Questionable size for the next level but late draft pick...RB #15 Tyler Goodson is a good shifty RB that is a big play threat. He has plus speed and he can catch the ball a bit. He’s a Day 3 pick as a role player at the next level.
Michigan: #97 Aidan Hutchinson is a top 5 pick...DE #55 David Ojabo is a guy we’ve been on all year and now he’s likely a first-rounder. Too much future upside, he’s just coming into his own...CB #30 Daxton Hill is a potential Patriots target in Round 2...RB #25 Hassan Haskins is the bruiser for the Wolverines. He dominated Ohio State last week. Good depth pick that will offer special teams value (Day 3)...RT #71 Andrew Stueber is a good pass protector and has good athleticism. Needs to improve technique and strength to NFL standards. Captain. Day 3 pick...S #2 Brad Hawkins is a team captain with good size who’s had a much better season against the pass. This is a position of need for the Patriots, and he’ll be a Day 3 evaluation...RG Zak Zinter is a player I love (not just because he’s a local guy). Future stud and the best player on the Michigan line.