This is it. We’ve reached the pinnacle of college football. Our final prospect list of the year comes with this game but it will be a little bit different. Here, we will look at guys that will not even come close to the first round. That means no Jameson Williams, Jordan Davis, Evan Neal, or even Derion Kendrick. The players today will be guys going most likely on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft. So, let’s find out who can improve their stock most with a big National Championship game.
Alabama Prospects
Brian Robinson Jr. – RB
Robinson went for over 200 yards on 26 carries in Alabama’s beatdown of Cincinnati in the semi-final. This earned him Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP and a lot of eyes on his draft stock. Robinson still projects to be a mid-round back but he is an exciting player. He’ll get it done for you at each level in the NFL and is a true jack-of-all-trades type back.
Chris Owens – OT
After having some injury issues in the Cincinnati game, Nick Saban said Owens should be good to go tonight. This will be huge for the Tide as this line is experienced and has been dominant all season. Owens is an interesting NFL prospect because he isn’t too long for a tackle, but like all Alabama linemen, he’s clean and has good technique. If Owens and this line dominate again, he could see his stock shoot up.
Henry To’oto’o – LB
We are about to touch on one of two linebackers who had severe hype before the season started. To’oto’o was a transfer from Tennessee and has been pretty productive for Alabama this season. He’ll be tasked with clogging up the middle of the field against a Georgia offense that just lit up Michigan in all phases.
Christian Harris – LB
Harris was regarded as a potential first-round pick at the beginning of this season but has disappointed thus far. There have been a ton of linebackers in this class who have seen their stock improve (Chad Muma, Devin Lloyd) while Harris has gone in the opposite direction. Harris needs to re-establish himself in a big way Monday because this is the last chance to save his draft position.
Phidarian Mathis – DT
Out of anyone on this list, Mathis could be the most underrated. The 6’4″, 312 lb, defensive tackle has spelled Christian Barmore beautifully this year but no one has really noticed. Mathis has racked up nine sacks and is a true force inside for the Tide. He’ll be a guy that goes sooner than the media expects in the draft so keep your eye out for No. 48.
Georgia Prospects
James Cook – RB
The brother of Dalvin Cook had a tremendous game against Michigan in his home state of Florida. On the ground, Cook only had six carries for 32 yards but he showed his versatility with four catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Cook brings an excellent change-up from Georgia’s No. 1 back Zamir White and can continue to do so at the next level as a receiving back.
Jamaree Salyer – OT
The unsung hero for Georgia against the Wolverines was Salyer. No one is talking about how he locked up Aidan Hutchinson. Salyer brings an excellent base and potential to be a guard in the NFL. He has one more game where he’ll see valuable reps against Alabama’s Will Anderson and try to prove once again he can play with the best.
Devonte Wyatt – DT
Another player for Georgia who is heavily underrated. Wyatt has been the prominent man on Georgia’s front-seven while Davis rotates in on a part-time basis. Wyatt is a run-stuff specialist who, like Davis, has the floor of being a solid rotational piece in the NFL. There’s always a need for players like Wyatt, now let’s see if he can be a game-wrecker against Alabama.
Quay Walker – LB
Perhaps the best player on our list, Walker is another guy who had a huge game on the national stage against Michigan. Walker is a versatile linebacker who can be used on the front-seven or in traditional outside linebacker positions. If he continues to stand out in the championship game, we are looking at a possible early Day 2 pick.
Lewis Cine – DB
Cine got some hype around draft circles earlier this season but it’s cooled off since then. Cine is a rangy defensive back who’s got some good length as well at 6’1″. He can be a good rotational/developmental piece for any NFL team early but has a long way to go and can start tonight.
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