NFL Draft prospects to watch in National Championship Game

The National Championship Game will feature plenty of NFL prospects, with as many as eight projected to go in the first round next April.

Just like last season, the National Championship Game will feature the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Last year, the Crimson Tide earned their fifth national title in the last eight years, beating the Tigers in an instant classic, 45-40. Clemson will be looking for revenge on Monday night, as they have enough talent to topple the dynasty that is the Alabama Crimson TIde.

While all eyes will be on Raymond James Stadium for the title game on Monday, we fast forward to next April, where both schools should be well represented in the NFL Draft. Here is a breakdown of some of the names to look for during the National Championship Game, and were we expect those players to be selected. The top eight players are listed in the order we feel they will be selected within the group, not where they will be selected overall.

Late Round Prospects

LB Ben Boulware, Clemson

Boulware is the heart and soul of the Clemson defense, as his play has inspired all of those who have played alongside of him during his time on campus. While there are plenty of question marks regarding his physical ability at the next level, his passion for the game will never be questioned. Boulware was an All-ACC First Team selection by the coaches in the conference, and was named the Jack Lambert Award winner, which is given to the best linebacker in college football.

C Jay Guillermo, Clemson

When it comes to pass protection, Guillermo is one of the better centers in all of college football. He has helped keep star quarterback Deshaun Watson upright over the past two seasons, and was recently named an All-ACC First Team selection. While he may go late in the draft, he definitely has the talent to be a good player at the next level, and has proven to be the leader of the Tigers offensive line during their two National Championship Game runs.

DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

Tomlinson is as good a run stuffer as their is in college football, and has become a leader on the Crimson Tide defense. A redshirt senior, Tomlinson has the size and strength to play at the next level, and has really enjoyed flying under the radar for the Tide. While Jonathan Allen gets most of the publicity, Tomlinson has developed into a legitimate NFL prospect, and he should hear his name called next April.

CB Tony Brown, Alabama

The biggest question mark for Brown has come off the field, where he was forced to serve a four-game suspension at the beginning of the season. Once he came back, Brown assumed his role in the Crimson Tide defense, showing incredible speed in the Alabama secondary. Brown was an All-American in Track and Field at Alabama in the 4×400, and has the physical gifts to be a serious player at the next level.