Michigan vs Washington: A deep dive into the hidden NFL Draft gems of the College Football Championship (CFC)

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.- Eleanor Roosevelt: with the College Football Championship (CFC) serving as a window into the future of professional football, the 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. The event has been a breeding ground for the NFL's next generation of superstars. 

We know Rome Odunze and JJ McCarthy will be first-rounders for sure. Today, we focus on the CFC players who have made significant strides this season and are poised to make a mark on Day 2 of the NFL draft, but with a big game, could elevate themselves to the first round 

The Quarterback Quandary: Michael Penix Jr. 

Rising above the rest: Michael Penix Jr., the Washington quarterback, has experienced a meteoric rise in his draft stock. Penix is an accurate, brilliant thrower with a good touch on his passes and trusts his receivers in contested coverage.

He finished second in the Heisman voting and led the Huskies to the National Championship game, taking home the Maxwell Award and dominating the Sugar Bowl. He finished 2023 with a Warren Moon-esk 4218 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Thirteen of those went to his No.1 target in Washington and now Falcons teammate Rome Odunze. An exceptional performance against the Wolverines will demonstrate his ability to take charge in critical situations, the last piece NFL Scouts need to see. Penix Jr. is expected to be picked between the 30-55 range in the draft.

The challenge ahead: Despite his impressive performance, Penix Jr. faces a stiff challenge from Michigan's defense. He must prove his mettle by delivering a dominant performance, potentially propelling his draft position even higher.

The Wide Receiver Wonders: Jaylen Polk and Jalen McMillan

Ja’Lynn Polk, the playmaker: Polk, the wide receiver from Washington, has been a revelation this season. Polk is a receiver renowned for his accuracy and can line up either inside or outside. He is a talented ball-catcher, possessing great hands and an innate understanding of how to secure the ball even in contested situations. His long arms provide an advantage to winning jump balls, while his burst and strength make it hard for defenders to bully him off the line or down the field. He tracks the ball very well, and his catch radius is quite vast.

Furthermore, his footwork could use some refining but his explosiveness and twitch as a route-runner and ball-carrier are above-average. All in all, Polk is an excellent receiver.His explosive playmaking ability has seen him averaging 17 yards per touch. Polk's draft stock is projected to be in the 60-80 range.

Jalen McMillan, the underdog: Jalen McMillan, another wide receiver from Washington, has shown tremendous potential. McMillan was an incredibly reliable asset for Penix in his first season with the Huskies. He had a minimum of four catches in each game except one, which was under 58 yards. He was a great addition to any offense due to his steady skillset. McMillan is not viewed as a dangerous player, but he has good size at 6'0" and 188 pounds, allowing him to line up as an outside or inside receiver. He won the trust of Penix with his dependable routes and great hands.

He is good at recognizing the down and distance and can fool defenders with his positioning to create a target window. He has an adequate amount of acceleration and burst to make space after the catch. He is a natural hands catcher and has a proper catch radius which helps him to bring in off-target throws. He is a low-risk, high-reward prospect who can be an immediate help to any offense.Despite being projected between the 75-96 range, McMillan's ability to adapt and make big plays could surprise many in the draft.

The Running Back Revelation: Blake Corum

The workhorse back: Blake Corum, the running back from Michigan, has been instrumental in Michigan's journey to the CFC final. Corum could be one of the biggest steals in the 2024 NFL draft. His impressive performance, strong determination, and agile skills have drawn comparisons with some of the best in the business, including Kenneth Walker III. Here, we delve into the details of his journey and his prospects for the future.

We have talked about his record breaking season and nose for the end zone. Corum has the ability to spot possible pathways and move upfield quickly, even when the interior gaps are blocked by linebackers. His agility allows him to take advantage of angles and spaces he notices in his peripheral vision. Furthermore, he displays potential as a receiver, running well-executed routes from the backfield and knowing how to use blockers to his advantage. His ability to overcome challenges and perform consistently has seen his draft stock rise, with projections placing him in the 76-96 range.

The test of endurance: Corum faces a daunting task against Washington's defense, which allows only 4.4 yards per carry. He must showcase his ability to contribute in every facet of the game to boost his draft position.

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.

The offensive line overachievers: Troy Fautanu and Zack Zinter

Troy Fautanu, the guard giant: Troy Fautanu, the offensive guard from Washington, has shown remarkable skill and consistency this season. Although Fautanu mostly played left tackle for the Huskies, he also started a couple games at guard,where he's projected to line up in the NFL. At 6'4", Fautanu's got the size and length to excel inside in the NFL. He's at times overaggressive and his stance could use a bit of a clean up but he's got the tools to develop to be a Week 1 starter and a potential Pro Bowl nod down the road. His draft stock is projected between the 35-48 range.

Zack Zinter, the line leader: Zack Zinter, the offensive lineman from Michigan, has displayed leadership and adaptability. Although Zinter won't be able to participate in the Championship game due to his tibia injury from Week 13, his absence shouldn't stop teams from considering him for the draft. His recovery timeline is estimated at three months, giving him time to heal and get back to full strength.

Zinter was initially a third-star recruit in high school, but he saw an increase in his playing time during his four-year Michigan career. His junior year saw nine pressures, and he didn't give up any sacks or hits in 2023. There are flaws in his technique, such as dropping his head while blocking, but they are fixable with coaching. His strengths outweigh his weaknesses, making him a viable mid-round pick.We should see Zinter picked between the 64-96 range in the upcoming draft.

The safety star: Rod Moore

The defensive mastermind: Rod Moore, the safety from Michigan, has been instrumental in strengthening Michigan's defense. His draft stock is projected in the 60-76 range.

The final showdown: Moore faces a crucial test against Washington's high-powered offense. His performance will dictate the game and significantly influence his draft position.

The wide receiver wildcard: Roman Wilson

The surprise package: Roman Wilson, the wide receiver from Michigan, has been a surprise package this season. Despite being projected between the 70-88 range, Wilson's performance could see him climb higher in the draft.

The road ahead: Wilson faces the daunting task of proving his worth against Washington's bend-but-not-break defense. A strong performance could boost his draft stock.

The 2024 CFC draft promises to be exciting, with these players vying for top spots in the NFL draft. As spectators and scouts watch these athletes take the field, dreams will be realized, and futures will be determined. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world awaits the next generation of NFL superstars. Remember, future NFL stars; "in football, everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team". - Jean-Paul Sartre