Michigan vs Washington: A deep dive into the hidden NFL Draft gems of the College Football Championship (CFC)
By Beau Adams
The edge enigma: Bralen Trice
The powerhouse performer: Brendan Trice, EDGE defender from Washington, excels with his outstanding handwork and power. At 6'4" and nearly 275 pounds, Bralen Trice has the ideal body type for an NFL edge. His upper body strength is impressive and his ability to read blocks allows him to set the edge against offensive tackles. He excels at using his speed to power as a pass-rusher. Although Trice has good athleticism for his size, he is not especially quick-twitched or agile, which limits his ability to pull off finesse moves.
Trice has a thick build and good movement skills for his size. He is physical and strong at the point of attack, which, combined with his block recognition, enables him to set the edge against offensive tackles. He also has the power to get off blocks and can use a cross-chop to break through blocks. Trice is adept at transforming his speed to power when rushing the passer; he keeps his feet moving through contact and has the strength to push through the tackle's inside shoulder. Additionally, he is good at playing the offensive lineman's hands when rushing the passer.
Despite lacking top-notch athleticism, Trice's speed and explosiveness make him a strong contender for the draft, with a projected pick between 39-68.
The Defensive Dynamo: Kris Jenkins
The unstoppable force: Kris Jenkins, the defensive tackle from Michigan, has been a force to be reckoned with. His ability to create pressure and stop the run makes him a coveted draft pick, projected between the 50-75 range.
The consistency conundrum
Despite his impressive performance, with a very deep draft at interior defenders, Jenkins must demonstrate consistency, especially in the CFC , to solidify his draft position.