The college football National Championship will be played this coming Monday, here are 5 of the biggest NFL Draft prospects to watch in the high powered matchup.
Alabama and Clemson are set to battle for the national championship for the third time in four years. Both teams are full of players who will be drafted come April.
A player can help or hurt themselves a lot during bowl season. Some players will be exposed against tougher competition than they normally face. Other players will rise to the occasion and generate moment as they head toward the NFL Draft.
There will be plenty of talent on the field throughout the playoffs. Players will compete to help their teams earn a national championship, so we should see intense competition from the best players across the country.
With many of the players that will take the field Monday night will be first round selections. Here’s the five you should keep your eye on.
#5. Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson
CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wilkins #42 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after scoring a touchdown during their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)A runner-up in nearly every major defensive player of the year award, Christian Wilkins is one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the nation. The senior is a three-time first team ACC member and was named a unanimous All American in 2018.
Wilkins made an outstanding 12.5 tackles for a loss this season and found ways to touch the football with a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two passes deflected.
Wilkins can affect the game in multiple ways making him a tough player to block. Watch him look to shut down Notre Dame and help the Tigers reach the national championship game for the third time in four years.
Christian Wilkins is apart of a talented Clemson Tigers defense and often gets overlooked by the playmakers around him. The former five-star recruit has made plenty of plays though and should become a starter in the NFL.
Christian Wilkins is projected as a mid to late first round selection, but could dramatically help his draft stock in a 2019 NFL Draft class that is littered with talented defensive tackles.
#4. Clelin Ferrell Defensive End, Clemson
In a draft that is loaded with talented pass rushers, Clelin Ferrell is one of the best. Ferrell has a chance to prove that he is worthy of his top 5 projection against a talented Alabama offense.
The 2018 ACC defensive player of the year led the conference with 18.5 tackles for loss. It was the second straight season he reached the 18 tackles for loss mark.
In addition, Ferrell got to the quarterback for an impressive 11.5 sacks. Clelin Ferrell forced three fumbles, recovered one, defended two passes and scored a defensive touchdown in 2018. Clelin Ferrell showed an elite ability to influence a game in 2018.
Ferrell is a game wrecker and will significantly improve any defense he joins. Watch out for #99 on Monday, and his battle with the next player on this list could determine how high both players are drafted in the NFL Draft.
#3. Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
Jonah Williams is the top offensive lineman in the 2019 draft class. He was named first-team All-SEC and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2018.
At The 6’5 300 plus pound offensive tackle is a force in the run blocking and pass blocking game. Wiliams has proven to be an effective blindside protector and is considered to be an effective technician with above-average athleticism.
He is the ideal NFL prospect for any team that is looking to protect their franchise quarterback. Be sure to watch No. 73 closely as he looks to keep banged up quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright against Oklahoma.
#2. Deionte Thompson, FS Alabama
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 03: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the LSU Tigers missed a second half field goal at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)In what is a stacked defensive back class in 2019 Alabama’s Deionte Thompson is one of the best.
CBS sports ranks Thompson as the number 10 overall prospect for 2019.
The 2018 All-American is a ball hawk. In 2018 Thompson forced three fumbles, recovered one, defended five passes and made two interceptions.
He also tackled well making 70 total tackles for the Tide this season.
Wherever the ball is Thompson is near by which will make it easy for fans to scout him Saturday when Alabama takes on Oklahoma.
#1. Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 01: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after sacking Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs (not pictured) in the first half during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Like Wilkins, Alabama’s Quinnen Williams was a runner-up to Kentucky’s Josh Allen for nearly every defensive player of the year award.
The run-stopper, however, has a chance to be one of the top five players drafted in 2018.
The All-American had a dominant 2018 making 66 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks.
The number of sacks show how above average Williams is as defensive tackles don’t necessarily get to the quarterback as much as defensive ends. Williams can do it all from his defensive tackle spot and will be an elite player in the NFL.
Quinnen Williams has seen his draft stock soar of the collegiate season, and he looks to cap off a dominant year in the championship game. Williams should solidify himself as a top 5 selection in the 2019 NFL draft, and could potentially overtake Nick Bosa as the consensus #1 overall pick.
Williams will be tempting for the San Francisco 49ers, who hold the #2 overall pick, but the 49ers have invested heavily in interior defensive lineman recently. It would not be shocking to see the first trade of the 2019 NFL Draft come at the 49ers spot, as someone may move up for a shot at Williams.
Be sure to watch Williams closer than anyone this weekend.