2019 NFL Draft Prospects to watch in College Football Playoff

With two playoff games loaded with NFL Draft prospects, the trenches are the place to watch.

It is perhaps the best day in college football. With some early bowl games plus the two College Football Playoff semifinals, it is a dream for the college football fan.

It is also a dream for those scouting players for the 2019 NFL Draft. As the top four teams gather for two semifinals, plenty of NFL Draft prospects will be highlighted. While the flare of young quarterbacks and wide receivers is intriguing, the trenches are the place to look for top tier guys.

Let’s take a look at five players to watch in the playoff semis.

1. Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

A big reason for Oklahoma’s success this season is often forgotten: the offensive line. They have done a great job protecting Kyler Murray and letting him run around to make plays. There are three guys to watch on the line, but the one with the most promise right now is right tackle Cody Ford.

Ford is the better tackle technically, with great balance and anchor to stave off pass rushers. He also is a better athlete than he’s given credit for. He can move in space to create holes in the running game, something Oklahoma will need to keep Alabama’s offense off the field.

Ford will also be tested with top talent in this game, likely going up against guys like Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller. Ford will need to handle that speed on the edge, and if he does, he can draw more attention in a lackluster tackle class.

2. Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

The two Alabama players getting the most hype right now are Quinnen Williams and Deionte Thompson, but Raekwon Davis is another name to watch on the Crimson Tide defense.

At six foot six inches and 305 pounds, Davis is a long-armed defensive lineman with tons of potential. He wreaks havoc at the point of attack with his athleticism and is tough to stop on passing downs. Davis does need to prove a bit more as a run stopper and stay in his gap, but his upside is tremendous.

With Williams likely to see double teams, Davis could shine for Alabama on the big stage.

3. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

The loss of Dexter Lawrence is a big deal for the Clemson Tigers, and others will need to step up to stop Notre Dame’s run game. Luckily, Clemson has a defensive line full of studs to pick up the slack.

One area to watch is the secondary, an area that is a big question mark for the Tigers. They surrendered 500 yards through the air against South Carolina and will need to shore things up to prevent big plays. Trayvon Mullen is a name gaining steam in the cornerback class.

His size and length is what teams covet nowadays. He is a physical player near the line of scrimmage, and he has the speed to stay with receivers. Mullen will get a test against the physical Notre Dame wide receivers, and his performance will be key to stop Notre Dame.

4. Jerry Tillery, DL, Notre Dame

The Clemson offense has been dominant all season long, and it will take a disciplined Notre Dame group to contain them. It starts up front with defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, who has had a very good season with seven sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

He has worked himself into the second tier of defensive linemen in a loaded class, and his power and speed combo will excite teams in terms of a three down player. He should fill the stat sheet once again against Clemson and put pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

5. Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

We’ve discussed how dynamic the Clemson offense is, and their receivers are certainly part of it. Keeping them in check will be difficult, and for cornerback Julian Love, they will present a great test for him. Love can make a big statement against the Tigers if he plays well against Tee Higgins and Amari Rodgers.

He is one to watch thanks to his physical nature near the line of scrimmage.

He is an excellent tackler and shows good coverage skills. Love also is great closing to receivers and wrapping them up before they get into the open field. He is a little tight-hipped at times in coverage, but he can be someone a team takes a chance on because of his instincts.

BONUS: Game Picks

A little bonus here after five players to watch is quick game picks for the playoff games.

Cotton Bowl: Clemson 30, Notre Dame 13

Orange Bowl: Alabama 45, Oklahoma 38