College football has one final game left to determine this year’s champion, with Clemson looking for the first-ever 15-0 FBS season and Alabama looking for its first championship in the Playoff era.
Potential 1st-round NFL Draft picks face off in College Football Playoff Championship
Four potential first-round draft picks will suit up on Monday.
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Both teams have two players who are projected by Mocking the Draft to go in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and many more who should land with a team by the end of draft weekend.
Clemson redshirt sophomore CB Mackensie Alexander is projected to go in the top 10, and is one of the best secondary players in the class. Alexander hasn’t announced his official decision, but he’s expected to declare after the title game. The young talent came up big early in the season against Notre Dame, limiting star receiver Will Fuller to only only two catches for 37 yards. At the time, head coach Dabo Sweeney said Alexander still had some things to learn, but noted, “he’s certainly a great one.”
Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson is projected to go mid-to-late first round and with his 6'3, 273-pound frame, he's big enough to fill in gaps and get tackles. He recorded 53 total tackles -- 31 solo -- during the regular season and 9.5 sacks, earning him first-team AP All-American honors. He might not be the first DE to get drafted, but he could still find himself with a nice first-round contract.
Other Clemson players who could hear their name called are Jayron Kearse (S), Jordan Leggett (TE), D.J. Reader (DT) and Eric Mac Lain (G).
Alabama's first player to go in the draft is expected to be inside linebacker Reggie Ragland, who is projected to go mid-first round. Ragland recorded eight solo tackles in two separate games this season, and had two games with 12 total tackles.
Defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson is also one of the better choices at his position if he declares, disrupting the pocket frequently. Robinson recorded 42 total tackles in the 2015 regular season, along with 3.5 sacks -- 2.5 in one game against Mississippi State.
Other Alabama players who could increase their draft stock with strong performances in the championship are Heisman winner Derrick Henry (RB), Jonathan Allen (DE) and Jarran Reed (DT).
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