Top NFL Prospects to Watch in the National Championship

by Harris Oates

To cap off the millions of reasons why we can not wait for tomorrow night’s National Championship, this game is seriously loaded with NFL talent. There is a chance that nearly a third of the first-round picks could come from the two schools combined. This draft has been dubbed “one of the best defensive line classes ever” thanks to 4 prospects from the two newly born rivals. Oh, you are more of a skill position guy or gal? Well you will also enjoy checking out Jacobs, Harris and Irv Smith Jr. stand out on Alabama’s much improved offense. You like heavy hitters? The best safety in college football will be out there too, not to mention a linebacker who runs from sideline to sideline like a young Dick Butkus. If it is quarterbacks you are about, don’t worry…even though neither are draft eligible there is a great chance you will see guys who could very likely go 1 overall in back to back years (2021/2022). Enjoy what may be known as the best Championship of all time.

1. Clelin Ferrell: Defensive End

Potential: 1^st Overall

Floor:   Top 15

Position Rank: #1

Ferrell has potential to be the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has been one of the most productive players in the country (10.5 sacks in the ACC) and has the size to back it up (6’5” 265). Facing a solid offensive line with tell us much more about his NFL potential.  

2. Quinnen Williams: Defensive Tackle

Potential: 1^st Overall

Floor: Top 15

Position Rank: #1

Williams is also in the position to be taken first overall and a strong game against the Clemson offense would assure a Top 10 selection. Williams has posed himself as an unlockable tackle. He will wreak havoc.

3.Dexter Lawrence: Defensive Tackle

Potential: Top 5

Floor: Top 20

Position Rank: #3

Lawrence is a beast, but is suspended for the National Championship. He will be a first rounder regardless.

4. Deionte Thompson: Safety

Potential: Top 5

Floor: 1^st Round

Position Rank: #1

Thompson is one of the best safeties college football has ever seen. He reminds me of a Jamal Adams or Eddie Jackson type of hard hitting safety who seems to have a magnetic connection with the football. I could see a team like the Buccaneers take Thompson with their top pick.

5. Jonah Williams: Tackle

Potential: Top 5

Floor: 1^st Round

Position Rank: #1

Williams has the size and footwork of an NFL starting lineman. Somebody will most likely scoop him in the Top 15 picks. He has the potential to be a 15-year starter in the NFL. Facing Ferrell will be a challenge for Williams, but also a great chance to show off his abilities.

6. Irv Smith Jr: Tight End

Potential: 1^st Round

Floor: 4^th Round

Position Rank: #3

Smith is a sure-handed, skilled tight end. Tight End’s coming out of Saban’s offense usually bode pretty well in the draft due to run block ability and discipline. Smith reminds me of a Travis Kelce replica because of his speed and football IQ.  

7. Damien Harris: Running Back

Potential: 1^st Round

Floor: 5^th Round

Position Rank: #1

Damien Harris has a long way to go before being drafted in the first round, but he will be a hard player not to take. Running Back is unfortunately the position that is most impacted by the NFL Combine, and his stock can deviate tremendously.

8. Christian Wilkins: Defensive Tackle

Potential: 1^st Round

Floor: 3^rd Round

Position Rank: #6

Wilkins has had a great season, but his stock has fallen a good bit since September. He was amidst the players who were competing for the top prospect overall, but he has showcased several flaws that will handicap him in the draft process. He may be more valuable for Clemson than he ever will be in the NFL, but he could still go first round.

9. Josh Jacobs: Running Back

Potential: 1^st Round

Floor: 7^th Round

Position Rank: #4

Jacobs has perhaps the most to win or lose in the championship. His stock has gone from being a relatively unknown to being one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. This strong season could be capped off with a big performance and land him as being a safer selection than Damien Harris. Jacobs can run and catch well, and reminds me of a Kareem Hunt type back.

10. Mack Wilson: Linebacker

Potential: 1^st Round

Floor: 4^th Round

Position Rank: #4

Wilson is your prototypical NFL inside linebacker. He sees the field well and is a proven leader of the best defensive team of all time. Look for a team like the Patriots take him in the late first round. 

Bonus: Underclassman

1. Trevor Lawrence – Clemson QB
2. Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama QB
3. Jerry Jeudy – Alabama WR
4. Jaylen Waddle – Alabama WR
5. Travis Etienne – Clemson RB

Harris is a recent graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. He now works in Birmingham as well as coaches lacrosse for Mountain Brook High School. He loves following SEC football, covering fantasy football, the NFL Draft, and is also a lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.