The eyes of the college football world will be anxiously watching the College Football Playoff Championship, and the professional football world will be taking a long look, too. Alabama and Clemson going for the national title is the last chance for scouts and personnel people to get a live look at some of the nation’s top players.
Every NFL prospect to know in the College Football Playoff Championship
Alabama has the big advantage in pure pro talent, but Clemson could have the game’s best player.


In regard to draft-eligible talent, Alabama has a considerable advantage over Clemson. As they typically are, the Crimson Tide are loaded on defense. Superstar linebacker Reggie Ragland is the headliner, but Alabama's defensive line is noteworthy. Jarran Reed is a dominating run stopper, A'Shawn Robinson has the power to occupy two gaps and Jonathan Allen can rush the passer better than you'd expect for a 283-pounder. Robinson and Allen are juniors who have until Jan. 18 to enter the draft. Should they choose to go pro, all three Alabama defensive linemen could get picked in the first round.
Alabama may have the pure numbers advantage, but Clemson may have the game's best draft-eligible player in cornerback Mackensie Alexander. If he goes pro, the top 10 is waiting.
That’s just the start on who to watch in this game with an eye toward the 2016 NFL Draft. Here’s every player the NFL will be watching.
Alabama
(Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
Reggie Ragland, LB, (No. 19): The Crimson Tide linebacker factory has yet another product in Ragland. He has 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups entering this game and really showed this season that he’s a three-down linebacker. Ragland has good size, is a sure tackler and just keeps getting better in coverage.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, (No. 86): Robinson gets knocked by some because he doesn't put up mind-blowing numbers or routinely get into the backfield. But that's a symptom of the Alabama scheme that has Robinson occupying blockers. Don't forget, the 312-pound tackle leaped over the LSU offensive line to block an extra point. Robinson does the same kind of things for Alabama that Marcell Dareus did, and he could turn out to be just as good of an NFL player.
Jarran Reed, DE/DT, (No. 90): One of the leaders of Alabama’s defense, Reed decided to return for his senior season and it paid off. He’s perhaps the best run stopping defensive lineman in this year’s draft, and will do well in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. He may not offer much as a pass rusher, so that lowers his draft value some, but he can step onto a team right now and improve the run defense.
Jonathan Allen, DE, (No. 93): Of Alabama's three big defensive linemen, Allen is the most proficient pass rusher. In many ways he's like a slightly smaller version of Stephon Tuitt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen has the power to set the edge in a 3-4, but has enough quickness to stay on the outside. He could be attractive to 4-3 teams that like to rush from the interior.
Ryan Kelly, C, (No. 70): There's not a lot of flash to Kelly, he's just a rock up front. A three-year starter who won the Rimington Trophy this season, Kelly is technically sound and strong enough to hold up in the NFL. Don't be shocked if a team picks him on Day 3 and he's a rookie starter.
O.J. Howard, TE, (No. 88): Whenever you watch Alabama, you can't help but wonder how much better Howard would be if he got more targets. Coming into the game, his 33 catches for 394 yards and no touchdowns don't look like much. But he's one of the draft's more complete tight ends, and has surprising speed. Considering he's a junior with light production, it wouldn't be an upset if he returns to school.
Derrick Henry, RB, (No. 2): In terms of his size at 6'3 and 242 pounds, Henry is a unique and powerful running back. The Heisman Trophy winner is hard to tackle once he gets going and will absolutely roll over defenders. Henry is more nimble than you'd expect for his size and he's a decent enough receiver. What keeps Henry behind someone like Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott is his acceleration. Henry has to build up a little bit before hitting top gear.
Eddie Jackson, S/CB, (No. 4): Jackson has put in time as both a safety and cornerback, and that type of versatility will make him a nice option as a role player in nickel or dime situations.
Kenyan Drake, RB, (No. 17): Drake may warrant a late-round pick because of his speed, ability as a return man and receiving skills. Teams needing a third-down back could get a decent one with Drake.
Cyrus Jones, CB, (No. 5): Jones has had some shaky moments as a cornerback, but he's still blossoming at the position after shifting to defense in 2013. Jones could be a nice developmental Day 3 pick, who can contribute immediately on special teams.
Jake Coker, QB, (No. 14): Coker is riding a wave of positive momentum that will take him all the way to a spot in this month's Senior Bowl. Over his last three games, Coker is completing 73 percent of his passes for 669 yards and five touchdowns. Coker may not have an overly impressive skillset, but he has the makings of a solid backup – and given who we've seen in the NFL playoffs, that's not a bad thing.
Tim Williams, OLB, (No. 56): Alabama's pass rush specialist has 10.5 sacks coming into the title game and already announced he's returning for another year with the Crimson Tide. With a quick initial burst and impressive closing speed, Williams is a top name to remember for the 2017 draft.
Clemson
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Mackensie Alexander, CB, (No. 2): Alexander emerged this season as the best redshirt sophomore prospect in the nation. He's a true shutdown cornerback who will be tested by sensational Alabama freshman receiver Calvin Ridley. Alexander has excellent tools for a corner, combining pure speed with athleticism and technique. Don't be surprised if he enters the draft and goes in the top 10.
Shaq Lawson, DE, (No. 90): There's no way Lawson will be 100 percent after injuring his knee in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. But even while dinged up and wearing a knee brace, Lawson should make an impact. He's regarded as a potential first-round pick because of his combination of power and quickness. At 6'3 and 270 pounds, Lawson has the physicality for the NFL. If his knee can hold up, watch for Lawson's spin move. It's scary.
Jayron Kearse, S, (No. 1): A high-cut safety with an imposing 6'4 frame, Kearse has had a productive season with 82 tackles and six tackles for loss. Kearse reportedly got a second-round grade from the NFL Draft advisory board.
Jordan Leggett, TE, (No. 16): Like Howard, there's no certainty that Leggett will enter the draft. He's developed into a scoring threat for Clemson this season with seven touchdowns to go with 35 catches for 447 yards. Leggett is a good athlete for the position, so he won't last too long in the draft. But if he returns to school, he could develop into the top player at his position in 2017.
Travis Blanks, OLB, (No. 11): A junior, Blanks has already said he's going pro. He's a hybrid safety/linebacker, which makes him enticing as a player who can come up and play the run or drop into coverage. Blanks missed the season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason.













