NFL Draft prospects to watch in National Championship Game

Mid-Round Prospects

RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson

There are a few big name running back prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft, as Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook are expected to be selected in the first round. In the second tier, there may not be a better prospect than Wayne Gallman, who has been an explosive player for Clemson. He has great speed, can slash and take it to the house, and could be someone who slides into the second round due to his incredible football I.Q.

WR Artavis Scott, Clemson

While star wide reciever Mike Williams gets most of the publicity, Artavis Scott is definietly someone who is going to be playing on Sundays. Scott is one of the more clutch wide receivers in college football, and has really been a productive player since arriving on campus. He has another year of eligibility left, but is expected to go as high as the third round, so he will likely declare for the draft after the title game.

TE Jordan Leggett, Clemson

In a draft with a shortage of tight end prospects, Jordan Leggett could find himself being drafted as early as the second round in April. Leggett has good speed for a guy his size, and has developed into a nice run blocker during his time with the Tigers. Scouts have said he has three-down potential at the next level, and he certainly has the hands to make all the catches, whether up the seam, or over the middle.

DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson

Watkins really has emerged during the 2016 season, as he has been a disruptive force in the middle of the Clemson defense. In total, Watkins accounted for 8.5 sacks during the Tigers title run this season, becoming one of the more feared defensive tackles in the ACC. He has all the physical ability to be a solid player at the NFL level, and some believe he could go as high as the third round in next April’s draft.

LB Ryan Anderson, Alabama

Tim Williams and Reuben Foster both are likely to go in the first round next April, but their fellow linebacker, Ryan Anderson, could soon hear his name after. At 6-foot-2, Anderson plays with a ton of passion, and has become an excellent pass-rusher. He is fast enough to play on the outside at the next level, though he also hits with the power of a player who can play on the inside. He is one of the more versatile linebackers in the SEC.

S Eddie Jackson, Alabama

Jackson broke his leg during the 2016 season, and will miss the National Championship Game. Still, he is projected to go between the third and fifth rounds next April, and has the potential to be a quality free safety at the next level. He needs to add weight if he is going to stick in the NFL, but his 4.5 40-yard dash speed should keep him on somebody’s roster.