Which 2022 NFL Draft prospects and matchups should you watch as Georgia takes on Michigan in the College Football Playoff?
It’s been what feels like a long time, but we finally have meaningful college football back, as the College Football Playoff is set to take place on New Year’s Eve. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Cincinnati Bearcats face off first, and the second game of the night will feature the Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines.
Michigan’s road to the playoff was a year of firsts. Despite losing in tough fashion at Michigan State, Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines did enough to set up a pseudo-playoff game against Ohio State for a shot to go to the Big Ten title game. Michigan finally prevailed, getting the monkey off the back for Harbaugh. They dominated Iowa to win the conference title and sit ready for their first crack at the playoff.
2022 NFL Draft Prospects In Georgia-Michigan
Georgia has been there before with Kirby Smart, and were on the doorstep of a title before Tua Tagovailoa and company took it away late. Smart’s defense was dominant all season long, pitching shutouts and coasting to wins in the SEC. But, facing Alabama proved to be the ultimate test, one that Georgia hasn’t conquered. Still, Georgia has a shot for redemption.
This is a game that will feature two strong defenses, and some strength on strength with Michigan’s strong running game and Georgia’s elite front seven. It will also feature a plethora of 2022 NFL Draft prospects and matchups to watch. Let’s dive in to look at what draft enthusiasts should pay attention to on Friday night (Click here for Alabama and Cincinnati’s prospects).
Jamaree Salyer vs. Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo
The trenches are where the talk should start in this game, and how can it not start with two potential top 10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft? Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo have been unbelievable as a duo this season, combining for 25 sacks and dominating whoever they go up against.
Hutchinson’s athleticism, rush moves, and pop in his hands are the reasons and traits that are leading to some potential top pick buzz. Ojabo has only played football since 2017, but his big jump in play this season has been a surprise, and he’s looked more advanced than expected in terms of a pass rush plan. The tools are undeniable, and if he declares, top 15 buzz could turn into top 10 buzz after a strong combine.
Jamaree Salyer is a very good tackle for the Bulldogs, and he gets a big test this week. Salyer strong working linear as a run blocker, and is a great leverage player who also finishes at the point of attack. He’s stout in pass protection, but Ojabo and Hutchinson will be on a different level.
Can Michigan Handle Georgia’s Front?
Outside of Andrew Steuber, who is headed to Mobile for the Senior Bowl, the Michigan offensive line isn’t on the 2022 NFL Draft radar. They’ll deal with a few prospects who should be drafted on the first two days.
Jordan Davis is the obvious one, as he is a fabulous run defender who frees up linebackers to make plays. His motor is hot and his power is evident on tape. Devonte Wyatt is the better rusher who attacks gaps with good quickness off the snap and good moves and hand placement. Travon Walker is a versatile rusher who can align anywhere, and Nolan Smith has an impressive blend of bend and power.
Daxton Hill vs. Brock Bowers/Georgia WRs
It will be interesting to see if Michigan safety Daxton Hill actually plays on Friday, as he was away from the team for a while and just flew in to Miami Thursday night to be with the team. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Hill is “dealing with something right now”, so we’ll see if he suits up. If he does, he will deal with a stiff test.
Hill is a chess piece on the Wolverines defense. He can play as the last line of defense deep, whether it be in a single high look or in a deep half. Hill also roams as a robber and plays in the box and man coverage from the slot. He’s been impressive in man coverage this season and has improved significantly with his ball production, ball skills, and disruptive capabilities at the catch point. There’s a chance he’s a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hill will deal with a freshman phenom at tight end in Brock Bowers, who is a dynamic receiving threat that dominates at the catch point with his frame, physicality, and strong hands. He’s efficient with his through break transitions as well. Bowers will provide Hill with a challenge, and it will be must-watch when they match up.
If Kearis Jackson and George Pickens move into the slot during the game, they will be a challenge for Hill as well. Jackson is well-built and quick, and we know all about Pickens’ physical gifts.
Michigan RBs vs. Georgia LBs
The Bulldogs have an impressive trio at linebacker to compete an impressive front seven. Nakobe Dean has LB1 potential, and he’s potentially following in the footsteps of Roquan Smith to be a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His ability to blitz with great closing speed and cover with good instincts and range is a great combination. Quay Walker and Channing Tindall flash as players who can get around blocks and move sideline to sideline as run and chase linebackers.
They face a pair of Michigan running backs in what has been a dominant rushing attack this season. Hassan Haskins is a bowling ball between the tackles, with impressive power, contact balance, and a willingness to drop the pads. Dean and company will need to continue to get off blocks to limit big runs to the second level.
Michigan has another running back in Blake Corum, and while he isn’t eligible, Corum is a dynamic running back who has superb athleticism, burst, and skills as a pass catcher. He will challenge the linebacker trio when lining up in the slot and make them make big tackles in space. Corum will have chances to pick up chunk gains on the ground as well that will be a challenge.
Georgia DBs Can Make A Statement
While the front seven gets the headlines, the Georgia secondary is also very talented and features two potential top 64 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Derion Kendrick has some off-field stuff, but his technique, transitions, and physicality make for a potential top prospect in a deep cornerback class. Andrel Anthony is a speed threat for the Michigan offense who could present a challenge for him.
Lewis Cine has a high football IQ and operates really well in the box and in the intermediate area of the field. He closes quickly, tackles well in space, and hits well to knock the ball out at the catch point.
Others To Watch
The Georgia running back room is a good one as well. Analysts feel a bit divided on Zamir White, but he’s a strong runner between the tackles with good burst and contact balance. James Cook is extremely dynamic, a strong route runner (especially on Texas routes), and is a great receiving back who will find a role in the NFL. He should also light up the Senior Bowl. Justin Shaffer might not draw elite pass rushers at guard Friday, but he’s a lunch pail type of player who plays with great power and leverage in the run game.