Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft? This weekly column breaks down the best matchups to watch on Saturday and what players to watch.
By Charlie Campbell.
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Alabama vs. Georgia; Monday, Jan. 8, 8:00 PM ESPN
The top prospect in this game could be Alabama free safety Minkah Fitzpatrck. The Crimson Tide’s do-it-all safety will be tested by speedy Bulldogs receivers and their potent running back tandem of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Michel hurts teams as a receiver and blocker as well, so Fitzpatrick could be used to spy on the Georgia ball-carriers. Alabama strong safety Ronnie Harrison also will be called on to help defense the Georgia tandem. Harrison is an early-rounder, while both Chubb and Michel could get selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Crimson Tide nose tackle Da’Ron Payne was a star of the Sugar Bowl and is a future first-rounder. He will be need him to plug rushing lanes again. Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans is a potential late first-round or second-round pick next April, and both Payne and Evans will be needed to help clamp down Chubb and Michel.
Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith is a future first-round pick for the 2018 NFL Draft, and he could put together a huge tackle total in this game. Alabama running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarborough are future NFL players, with Harris being a potential second-round pick this April. Smith will need a big night to keep those ball-carriers and the Crimson Tide’s running quarterback Jalen Hurts in check.
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley could be the first receiver selected in the 2018 NFL Draft and is facing against a quality Georgia secondary. Bulldogs safety Dominick Sanders is a third-day talent for the 2018 NFL Draft, but he is a ballhawk on the backend.
The Crimson Tide have other future NFL defensive backs in cornerback Anthony Averett, cornerback Levi Wallace and third cornerback Tony Brown.
Georgia left tackle Isaiah Wynn is another prospect to watch. He could move to guard in the NFL, but he is a superb blocker and could end up being a second-day pick.
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