Alabama vs. Ohio State: Top 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones has been fantastic this season, showing strong poise in the pocket, great accuracy to all levels of the defense and better arm talent than any of us expected. If he caps off his strong season with another great performance on Monday night, Jones can cement his spot as QB5 in the upcoming draft class.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with impact talent at the wide receiver position. Chris Olave is not one of the premier prospects at the position in this class but he is undoubtedly a gifted player who has massive upside at the next level. If Olave can ball out against Alabama, lighting up Surtain for many big plays, his stock will rise, likely cementing him as a first-round selection.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Smith has been absolutely incredible this season and was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy. He is a dynamic weapon on the outside who is already a possible top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. At this point, we just expect Smith to be dominant so I am not sure if he can really improve his draft stock much. That being said, he is an incredibly gifted playmaker who is impossible to ignore.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert may not end up declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft but he is certainly an interesting player who has a chance to become an impact player at the next level. Ruckert is a big target in the middle of the field who has great hands and can stretch the defense a bit with his speed. He caught two touchdown passes against Clemson and could see his stock rise in a big way with another strong performance on Monday against Alabama.
Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore was impressive against a strong Notre Dame offensive line in the Rose Bowl and appears to have his 2021 NFL Draft stock rising. Barmore is extremely quick off of the ball and shows the ability to make an impact against the run and as a pass rusher. He lived in the backfield against Notre Dame and will look to do more of the same against Ohio State.
Led by Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers, Ohio State’s interior offensive line is strong. If Barmore can shine in a similar way against this level of offensive line talent, his 2021 NFL Draft stock is going to go through the roof. He is certainly a prospect to keep a close eye on in this game.