Forget Michigan against Notre Dame. The game of the day – at least in terms of NFL Draft prospects is Alabama at Penn State (3:30 p.m., ABC). More so, this isn't just a chance to watch the vaunted Alabama prospects.
Penn State has several solid draft prospects, though none are superstars. Defensive tackle Devon Still, who had a rough start to his college career, projects as second-day prospect. He's a proficient run stuffer at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. He gets the most out of his frame by getting good position and not getting pushed off the blocks. He'll go head-to-head at times today with Alabama's William Vlachos and should do well. Vlachos is a solid prospect, but could have trouble against the stronger Still.
If Still and the defensive line can limit Alabama running back Trent Richardson, it will do wonders for his draft stock. Richardson needs a bounce back after a terrible performance against Kent State.
Alabama/Penn State NFL Draft watch notes
Penn State’s
isn’t a highly regarded wide receiver prospect, but I’d bet he’s on an NFL roster this time next year. He’s paced Penn State in receptions the past two seasons. He’ll be a pro, though, because he can not only catch the ball but he’s good on special teams. Alabama could put cornerback
on Moye and it should make for an excellent battle. Kirkpatrick is a superb size/speed prospect who needs a big game.
Make no mistake, though, this is the top prospect game of the week because of Alabama. Almost everywhere you look Alabama has a top NFL Draft prospect. The standout area for the Tide is the linebacker unit. Donta Hightower playing the middle and
at strong-side linebacker are both first-round prospects who should shut down the Penn State run game.
They’ll get plenty of help in that area from defensive tackle Josh Chapman. He’s hard to move off the line, which makes him attractive as a nose tackle option.
The secondary of the Alabama defense has plenty of talent too.
and
are probably the best safety duo in the nation and the sky is the limit for the aforementioned Kirkpatrick.
