Alabama vs. Ohio State: Top 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch

Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

The 2020 season has not gone well for Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade. Wade has made the full-time switch to outside cornerback and has appeared overmatched many times throughout the year. Wade was elite as a slot cornerback in the past but he has struggled against size on the outside and has not tracked the ball in the air particularly well.

Wade will likely see a lot of snaps matched up against Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith has been absolutely incredible for Alabama this season and is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Smith displays the ability to make plays all over the field. He is an incredible route runner who creates immediate separation and creates well after the catch. Smith is also a dynamic deep receiver who has big plays written all over him.

While Wade is a talented player, I have a hard time seeing him giving Smith much of a fight in this game. He has struggled on the outside for most of the season. Now, he is going to shut down the best wide receiver in recent college football history? I have my doubts. That being said, if he steps up and plays well, it will boost his 2021 NFL Draft stock in a big way.

Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

Wyatt Davis is arguably the best interior offensive line prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He is a big and physical presence at the right guard position who consistently dominates the line of scrimmage. Davis is quick off of the ball and extremely powerful at the point of attack. He is an elite level run blocker and also shows the ability to move his feet well and protect his quarterback in pass protection.

This Alabama defense is not quite as dominant as we are used to seeing but the Crimson Tide still have plenty of talent in their defensive front seven. Davis has a great chance to solidify his position as the top interior offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft class with a strong performance in this game.