NFL Draft prospects to watch in BCS Championship Game

Breaking down the players to watch in the season's first batch of bowl games, as well as a projection as to where they'll be drafted. DRAFT ORDER | EARLY
NFL Draft prospects to watch in BCS Championship Game
NFL Draft prospects to watch in BCS Championship Game /

Chance Warmack was a 2012 All-American.
Chance Warmack was a 2012 All-American :: Patrick Green/Icon SMI

Breaking down the players to watch in the season's first batch of bowl games, as well as a projection as to where they'll be drafted.

DRAFT ORDER | EARLY ENTRANTS

Alabama

Chance Warmack, guard: Warmack approaches April as the most dominant guard in the draft since Steve Everitt, who was selected with the 14th pick in 1993. Warmack is big, strong and controls everything he gets his hands on. He's effective at the line of scrimmage or at the second level blocking in motion. Warmack will be an early first-round choice if no medical red flags are raised at the combine. 1st Round

DeMarcus Milliner, cornerback: Milliner is poised to be the third cornerback from Alabama selected in the first round of the draft since the 2010. He plays with great speed and explosiveness as well as strength, and consistently shuts down opponents. Milliner is incredibly quick moving to the action, whether covering the pass or defending the run. His instincts need to be polished, but the tools are available for the junior to quickly break into a starting lineup in the NFL. 1st Round

C.J. Mosley, outside linebacker: Mosley is a well-rounded linebacker and three-down defender who has displayed constant improvement on the field. He has the speed to pursue ball handlers and cut off the corners in run defense. His ball skills and ability in coverage rate with just about any linebacker in the nation. Mosley also shows terrific instincts and rarely makes mental errors. Despite grading out as a first-round pick, Mosley has stated he will return to Alabama for his senior season. 1st Round

Jesse Williams, defensive lineman: Williams is a former rugby player from Australia who has shown great progress on the football field the past two seasons. He's a large yet mobile athlete with the power required to defeat double-team blocks. Williams is impossible to move off the point of attack at nose tackle, and also shows pass rushing skills on the occasions he lines up at defensive end. He's intense, plays with pain and has the skill to quickly produce at the NFL level. 2nd Round

Barrett Jones, offensive lineman. Jones started at three different offensive line positions for Alabama, but his game took off after claiming the center spot last season. He's a smart, efficient blocker who gets the most from his ability. Jones has a great feel for blocking, possesses above average footwork and reminds many of New York Jets Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold. 2nd Round

Eddie Lacy, running back: Lacy was forced to share the rushing duties for the Tide this season, but made the most of his opportunities. He's a powerful runner who quickly gets through the openings of the offensive line, then breaks tackles or moves the pile. Lacy also displays vision and instincts in his game. He possesses the necessary tools to be a feature runner in the right offense. 2nd Round

Notre Dame

Manti Te'o, linebacker: The Heisman Trophy finalist slimmed down for his senior season and quickened the pace of his game. He developed into a three-down defender, improving his skills in pass coverage ,which nicely complemented his run stopping ability. Te'o is a solid prospect, though not in the class of Von Miller or Patrick Willis, recent linebacker prospects who have gone on to dominate in the NFL. 1st Round

Louis Nix, defensive tackle: Te'o may be the toast of the town, but scouts feel Nix is just as important to the Notre Dame defense. The junior is a versatile lineman with a complete game. He clogs the middle of the field, allowing teammates to make plays on the ball, or makes plays himself in backside pursuit and behind the line of scrimmage. Nix announced he will return to South Bend for his senior campaign and already projects as an early pick for the 2014 draft. 1st Round

Tyler Eifert, tight end: Eifert ranks as the No. 2 tight end on most draft boards and offers a complete game. He's a dominant blocker who aggressively moves defenders off the line and opens running lanes. Eifert also displays natural skills as a pass catcher. Word around South Bend is Eifert will enter April's draft. 1st/2nd Round

Zack Martin, offensive tackle: Martin is an outstanding pass protector on the left side and a lineman whose game took off this season. Fundamentally sound, he possesses the footwork and agility required of a left tackle. His run blocking needs improvement, but Martin already ranks as one of the top tackle prospects in the nation. 2nd Round


Published