Monday’s CFP national title game between defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs (14-0) and the No. 3 TCU Horned Frogs (13-1) features premier talents who will be in the 2023 NFL Draft pool.
Here’s a look at the best:
Jalen Carter, DL Georgia
Tankathon mock draft prediction: fourth overall to Cardinals
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle is the top draft prospect in Mel Kiper’s latest rankings. Carter, who scouts believe was the best defensive lineman on last year’s championship team, is drawing comparisons to Rams DT Aaron Donald.
His stats don’t jump off the page (three sacks, two forced fumbles), but his explosion is evident on film. He was quiet in the Bulldogs’ Peach Bowl win over Ohio State (one tackle) but will aim to justify his draft ranking Monday.
Quentin Johnston, WR TCU
Tankathon mock draft prediction: ninth overall to Panthers
Johnston, TCU’s best prospect and the probable WR1 of the draft, broke out this season with 1,066 yards and six TDs. His elite frame (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and blazing speed make him one of the most intriguing players in this year’s draft.
He has the size to win contested jump balls, but he’s also a machine after the catch. Johnston’s 526 YAC is the most among Big 12 WRs and 13th nationally. It’ll be interesting to see how the physical specimen’s skillset translates to the NFL.
Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia
Tankathon mock draft prediction: 10th overall to Eagles
After sealing last year’s championship game with a pick-six, Ringo hopes to have similar success against the Horned Frogs. The former five-star recruit is raw and inconsistent but possesses the size and speed of a prototypical NFL DB. He’s the 25th overall prospect in Kiper’s rankings and fifth among CBs.
Though few have connected on it, Ringo is susceptible to the deep shot, which could force him to transition to safety at some point in his pro career. Per Pro Football Focus, Ringo has only allowed one TD in coverage this season but has nine penalties called against him.
Broderick Jones, OT Georgia
Tankathon mock draft prediction: 13th overall to Jets
The redshirt sophomore’s performance as QB Stetson Bennett IV’s blind side protector has significantly raised his draft stock. Jones is an athletic tackle with long arms and can move well despite being 6-foot-4, 310 pounds.
He hasn’t allowed a sack this season and has only surrendered nine pressures, per PFF. Jones is third in Kiper’s OT rankings, and a clean game Monday should cement him as a first-round selection.
Darnell Washington, TE Georgia
Tankathon mock draft prediction: 45th overall to Saints
Washington is listed as questionable for Monday after suffering an ankle injury during the Peach Bowl, but HC Kirby Smart is “hopeful” he plays.
Although Washington is Georgia’s second-string TE and has a lackluster 426 yards and two TDs this season, he impresses scouts. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound TE has great blocking skills, and his size could make him a dangerous red zone threat in the NFL.
Christopher Smith, S Georgia
Tankathon mock draft prediction: 63rd overall to Chiefs
The unanimous first-team All-American led the Bulldogs with three interceptions this season and was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award. The senior was an anchor for Georgia’s defense; he’s fourth on the team in tackles while also playing the fourth-most snaps.
Against LSU in the SEC championship game, Smith returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown. He also had an interception and deflected a pass that led to another interception. Smith’s performance against TCU could solidify him as a Day 2 pick.
