Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft? This weekly column breaks down the best matchups to watch each week in college football.
By Charlie Campbell.
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Clemson vs. LSU; Monday, Jan. 13, 8:00 PM ESPN
This game features a head-to-head battle of the heavy favorites to be the No. 1-overall picks in the 2020 and 2021 NFL Drafts. LSU senior quarterback Joe Burrow has been unstoppable this season, and he became the likely top pick of the 2020 NFL Draft after the injury to Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is the favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick for the 2021 NFL Draft, although Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields could make a run at that. Burrow has more riding on this game, as Lawrence has already won a National Championship in college and isn’t a 1-year wonder.
Both Burrow and Lawrence are dangerous runners who will challenge the linebackers. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons could go as a top-16 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has been phenomenal this season. LSU has a pair of linebackers who are mid-round caliber players in Michael Divinity and Jacob Phillips. LSU redshirt sophomore edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is another draft eligible prospect to watch.
Burrow and Lawrence have first-round receivers to work with. Clemson’s Tee Higgins and LSU’s Justin Jefferson each has a shot at being a late first-round or early second-round pick next April. Each team also has a star sophomore receiver who looks like a first-rounder for the 2021 NFL Draft with LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase and Clemson’s Justyn Moss. Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell could get selected on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he will be tested by the LSU duo. LSU safety Grant Delpit could go in the top-20 in April, while LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton could go late in the first round or early in the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft. They will be challenged by Clemson’s play-makers.
Clemson running back Travis Etienne is another late first- or second-round pick to watch in this game. Etienne scored three huge touchdowns to help Clemson get past Ohio State.
Other Clemson prospects to watch include safety K’Von Wallace, safety Tanner Muse, guard John Simpson and right tackle Tremayne Anchrum.
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