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NFLDraftScout.com
NFL Draft: The All-Prospect Team in CFP National Championship Game
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
January 11, 2016 1:20 am ET
Alabama and Clemson will meet in the CFP National Championship. (USATSI)
With all due respect to Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and finalist Deshaun Watson, the elite talent playing for Alabama and Clemson on Monday night in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship is on the defensive side of the ball.
NFLDraftScout.com has stamped first round grades on a combined six Crimson Tide and Tigers players potentially eligible for the 2016 draft. All of them play defense. They make up the backbone of our position-by-position All-Prospect Team. NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Dane Brugler compiled the offensive unit.
DEFENSE
Lawson is quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE END (4-3): Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 6-3, 270, 40 time: 4.67
Lawson entered the 2015 season with more buzz and production (79 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks) than career starts (one), but he officially broke out as a junior more than matching that production (23.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks) to earn AP Defensive Player of the Year honors for the ACC. Behind only Watson, Lawson is Clemson's most important player so if he's unable to play or is limited by the knee injury he sustained in the Orange Bowl, the Tigers chances at pulling off the upset are diminished. A projected top-20 pick, Lawson is quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, making him a threat on every snap. Better yet, he may only be scratching the surface of his potential.
Allen has surged up draft boards this season. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4-3): Jonathan Allen, Alabama, 6-3, 283, 4.73
Significantly lighter and quicker than his battery mates at Alabama, Allen is nonetheless stout, showing the ability to anchor as well as chop through would-be blockers with heavy hands. Ideally, he'd play defensive end on probable run-downs and slide inside to rush the quarterback. Despite limited opportunities due to Alabama rotating its defensive linemen, Allen has surged up draft boards this season, leading a defense filled with future draft picks in both tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (12).
Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size. (USATSI)
NOSE GUARD: A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18
The powerful Robinson is the most imposing of Alabama's talented defensive line and a difference-maker as a run defender. Robinson is only a junior but could wind up becoming the first Alabama player selected in the 2016 draft if he elects to leave early. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power, making him a better fit in a two-gap alignment.
Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer and hustles to the ball. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE END (3-4): Jarran Reed, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14
Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
Williams tallied 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. (USATSI)
EDGE RUSHER: Tim Williams, Alabama, 6-4, 230, 4.68
With opposing offensive lines already overwhelmed with Alabama's "big three," Williams erupted this season for 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks, shredding one-on-one matchups with an explosive burst off the ball, agility and improving strength. He's officially listed by Alabama at 230 pounds but looks bigger on tape. The junior has already announced his intentions to return to Alabama for his senior season.
Ragland is the unquestioned leader of Alabama's fearsome front. (USATSI)
INSIDE LINEBACKER: Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 6-2, 252, 4.72
Voted the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Ragland is the unquestioned leader of Alabama's fearsome front, demonstrating the blend of size, aggression, instincts and reliable open-field tackling skills to project well inside to 4-3 and 3-4 principles, alike. If you're looking for just one defensive player to watch in this game, Ragland would be a sound choice - he'll take you to the ball, every time.
Foster has the explosiveness to rush the passer. (USATSI)
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 240, 4.78
Foster plays inside linebacker for the Tide and his compact frame projects best there in the NFL, as well. He possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage duties, as well as the explosiveness to rush the passer, making him a potential fit outside, as well. Highly aggressive, athletic and a big hitter, Foster could push for Top 100 consideration should he elect to leave early for the NFL after just his first season as a starter.
Alexander possesses excellent man-to-man cover skills. (USATSI)
CORNERBACK: Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43
Though he's just a redshirt sophomore, Alexander checks in as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 10 overall prospect and the highest-rated Clemson Tiger. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills and has been lauded by coaches for his work in the film room. The much anticipated matchup between Alexander and Alabama's star freshman receiver Calvin Ridley should be a compelling battle of future first round picks.
Tankersley has an exciting blend of length, physicality and speed. (USATSI)
CORNERBACK: Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson, 6-1, 195, 4.52
Though he doesn't get the attention of his teammate, Alexander, Tankersley has also caught the attention of NFL scouts, using an exciting blend of length, physicality and speed to shut down his side of the field. Tankersley, a junior, led the Tigers with 14 passes broken up in a breakout 2015 campaign, five of which he turned into interceptions.
Jackson led Alabama with five interceptions in 2015. (USATSI)
NICKEL DEFENDER: Eddie Jackson, Alabama, 6-0, 194, 4.53
A former cornerback who earned First Team All-SEC honors this season -- his first -- at strong safety, Jackson has the combination of size, awareness and athleticism to play multiple roles at the next level, making him essentially a moveable chess piece. Jackson is a proven playmaker. He led Alabama with five interceptions in 2015, taking them back an astounding 230 yards.
Kearse has the range and ball skills to project as an NFL centerfielder. (USATSI)
FREE SAFETY: Jayron Kearse, Clemson, 6-4, 220, 4.54
The nephew of former Tennessee Titans "freak" Jevon Kearse and cousin of cornerback Phillip Buchannon, Kearse has the bloodlines, imposing size and straight-line speed to potentially join his family members as a future first-round pick. The junior is not yet the sum of his parts, occasionally over-running the action, but possesses the range and ball skills to project as an NFL centerfielder.
OFFENSE
With a handful of projected first-round picks, the top NFL prospects in the College Football Playoff National Championship can be found on defense. But the offenses for both programs boast several Sunday players as well, including two Heisman Trophy finalists.
Although Clemson has a much better offense than Alabama statistically, the Crimson Tide dominates our position-by-position All-Prospect Team on offense.
Watson lacks ideal NFL size, but his elusiveness allows him to avoid punishing hits. (USATSI)
QUARTERBACK: Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 210, 40 time: 4.74
As good as Alabama's Jake Coker looked against Michigan State in the Orange Bowl, there really isn't much debate here. Watson is the top quarterback prospect in this contest due to his skill-set to beat defenses with his arm or his legs. He doesn't have ideal size for the next level with a slim frame that leads to durability questions, but his elusiveness allows him to avoid the punishing hits. Watson is only a true sophomore and not eligible for the 2016 class, but he will enter next season as one of the top names to watch for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Henry projects as a top-60 draft pick with his physical and athletic skill set. (USATSI)
RUNNING BACK: Derrick Henry, Alabama, 6-2, 242, 4.54
Unlike quarterback, this selection wasn't an easy decision. Clemson running back Wayne Gallman has been one of the most underrated stars all season, rushing for more than 100 yards in nine of his last 11 starts. He's a redshirt sophomore and projects as a Day 2 prospect if he declares. But Henry gets the nod, especially after his Heisman-worthy junior season, becoming the first SEC back to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Henry isn't a lock first-round pick, but he projects as a top-60 draft pick with his physical and athletic skill set.
Ridley, a true freshman, developed into Alabama's go-to target. (USATSI)
WIDE RECEIVER: Calvin Ridley, Alabama, 6-0, 188, 4.50
The starting “X” receiver for Alabama, Ridley has developed into the go-to target through the air for the Crimson Tide with at least eight catches and 100 yards receiving in both the SEC Championship Game and Cotton Bowl. Alabama sorely missed Amari Cooper earlier in the year, but Ridley, who ranks second in the SEC in both catches (83) and receiving yards (1,031), is filling that void with his speed to stretch the field and be a threat after the catch. Despite already being 21 years old, Ridley is only a true freshman and not eligible until the 2018 NFL Draft.
Howard's frame and athleticism are ideal for what NFL scouts seek. (USATSI)
TIGHT END: O.J. Howard, Alabama, 6-6, 242, 4.59, #88
While Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett is the more productive of the two and a solid NFL prospect himself, Howard receives the edge because of his NFL traits. His frame and athleticism are ideal for what NFL scouts seek in a tight end prospect, along with his fluidity, ball skills and large-catch radius. Howard has also done a better job asserting himself as a blocker. While he is underutilized in this Alabama offense, the golden rule of scouting is "traits over production" and Howard should test well throughout the draft process if he leaves Tuscaloosa early for the 2016 NFL Draft.
Robinson has started all 28 games the last two seasons. (USATSI)
OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Cam Robinson, Alabama, 6-5, 326, 5.28
Since he arrived at Alabama as a blue-chip recruit, Robinson has been a standout left tackle, starting all 28 games the last two seasons. He moves very well for a man his size with an efficient setup and kickslide to handle speed off the edge, doing a terrific job on screens to get into space and eliminate defenders. Robinson will certainly be tested in this matchup, but Clemson's Shaq Lawson gave him some extra motivation, calling him the “second-best tackle” that he'll play this year. Just a true sophomore, Robinson will enter next season as one of the top draft-eligible offensive line prospects.
Kelly is the top center prospect in the country. (USATSI)
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE: Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 6-4, 297, 5.23
Arguably the top center prospect in the country, Kelly has been a model of consistency for the Tide offense this season with opposing coaches praising his knowledge and instincts as a blocker. He has a quick snap-and-step motion and works hard to gain body position, anchor and absorb contact, extending to keep defenders from his body. Kelly tends to play overaggressive at times, ending up on the ground, but his communication skills and grit make him the glue of the Alabama offensive line. He is in the conversation to be the first center drafted in April.
NFLDraftScout.com
NFL Draft: The All-Prospect Team in CFP National Championship Game
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
January 11, 2016 1:20 am ET
Alabama and Clemson will meet in the CFP National Championship. (USATSI)
With all due respect to Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and finalist Deshaun Watson, the elite talent playing for Alabama and Clemson on Monday night in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship is on the defensive side of the ball.
NFLDraftScout.com has stamped first round grades on a combined six Crimson Tide and Tigers players potentially eligible for the 2016 draft. All of them play defense. They make up the backbone of our position-by-position All-Prospect Team. NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Dane Brugler compiled the offensive unit.
DEFENSE
Lawson is quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE END (4-3): Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 6-3, 270, 40 time: 4.67
Lawson entered the 2015 season with more buzz and production (79 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks) than career starts (one), but he officially broke out as a junior more than matching that production (23.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks) to earn AP Defensive Player of the Year honors for the ACC. Behind only Watson, Lawson is Clemson's most important player so if he's unable to play or is limited by the knee injury he sustained in the Orange Bowl, the Tigers chances at pulling off the upset are diminished. A projected top-20 pick, Lawson is quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, making him a threat on every snap. Better yet, he may only be scratching the surface of his potential.
Allen has surged up draft boards this season. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4-3): Jonathan Allen, Alabama, 6-3, 283, 4.73
Significantly lighter and quicker than his battery mates at Alabama, Allen is nonetheless stout, showing the ability to anchor as well as chop through would-be blockers with heavy hands. Ideally, he'd play defensive end on probable run-downs and slide inside to rush the quarterback. Despite limited opportunities due to Alabama rotating its defensive linemen, Allen has surged up draft boards this season, leading a defense filled with future draft picks in both tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (12).
Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size. (USATSI)
NOSE GUARD: A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18
The powerful Robinson is the most imposing of Alabama's talented defensive line and a difference-maker as a run defender. Robinson is only a junior but could wind up becoming the first Alabama player selected in the 2016 draft if he elects to leave early. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power, making him a better fit in a two-gap alignment.
Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer and hustles to the ball. (USATSI)
DEFENSIVE END (3-4): Jarran Reed, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14
Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
Williams tallied 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. (USATSI)
EDGE RUSHER: Tim Williams, Alabama, 6-4, 230, 4.68
With opposing offensive lines already overwhelmed with Alabama's "big three," Williams erupted this season for 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks, shredding one-on-one matchups with an explosive burst off the ball, agility and improving strength. He's officially listed by Alabama at 230 pounds but looks bigger on tape. The junior has already announced his intentions to return to Alabama for his senior season.
Ragland is the unquestioned leader of Alabama's fearsome front. (USATSI)
INSIDE LINEBACKER: Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 6-2, 252, 4.72
Voted the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Ragland is the unquestioned leader of Alabama's fearsome front, demonstrating the blend of size, aggression, instincts and reliable open-field tackling skills to project well inside to 4-3 and 3-4 principles, alike. If you're looking for just one defensive player to watch in this game, Ragland would be a sound choice - he'll take you to the ball, every time.
Foster has the explosiveness to rush the passer. (USATSI)
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 240, 4.78
Foster plays inside linebacker for the Tide and his compact frame projects best there in the NFL, as well. He possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage duties, as well as the explosiveness to rush the passer, making him a potential fit outside, as well. Highly aggressive, athletic and a big hitter, Foster could push for Top 100 consideration should he elect to leave early for the NFL after just his first season as a starter.
Alexander possesses excellent man-to-man cover skills. (USATSI)
CORNERBACK: Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43
Though he's just a redshirt sophomore, Alexander checks in as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 10 overall prospect and the highest-rated Clemson Tiger. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills and has been lauded by coaches for his work in the film room. The much anticipated matchup between Alexander and Alabama's star freshman receiver Calvin Ridley should be a compelling battle of future first round picks.
Tankersley has an exciting blend of length, physicality and speed. (USATSI)
CORNERBACK: Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson, 6-1, 195, 4.52
Though he doesn't get the attention of his teammate, Alexander, Tankersley has also caught the attention of NFL scouts, using an exciting blend of length, physicality and speed to shut down his side of the field. Tankersley, a junior, led the Tigers with 14 passes broken up in a breakout 2015 campaign, five of which he turned into interceptions.
Jackson led Alabama with five interceptions in 2015. (USATSI)
NICKEL DEFENDER: Eddie Jackson, Alabama, 6-0, 194, 4.53
A former cornerback who earned First Team All-SEC honors this season -- his first -- at strong safety, Jackson has the combination of size, awareness and athleticism to play multiple roles at the next level, making him essentially a moveable chess piece. Jackson is a proven playmaker. He led Alabama with five interceptions in 2015, taking them back an astounding 230 yards.
Kearse has the range and ball skills to project as an NFL centerfielder. (USATSI)
FREE SAFETY: Jayron Kearse, Clemson, 6-4, 220, 4.54
The nephew of former Tennessee Titans "freak" Jevon Kearse and cousin of cornerback Phillip Buchannon, Kearse has the bloodlines, imposing size and straight-line speed to potentially join his family members as a future first-round pick. The junior is not yet the sum of his parts, occasionally over-running the action, but possesses the range and ball skills to project as an NFL centerfielder.
OFFENSE
With a handful of projected first-round picks, the top NFL prospects in the College Football Playoff National Championship can be found on defense. But the offenses for both programs boast several Sunday players as well, including two Heisman Trophy finalists.
Although Clemson has a much better offense than Alabama statistically, the Crimson Tide dominates our position-by-position All-Prospect Team on offense.
Watson lacks ideal NFL size, but his elusiveness allows him to avoid punishing hits. (USATSI)
QUARTERBACK: Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 210, 40 time: 4.74
As good as Alabama's Jake Coker looked against Michigan State in the Orange Bowl, there really isn't much debate here. Watson is the top quarterback prospect in this contest due to his skill-set to beat defenses with his arm or his legs. He doesn't have ideal size for the next level with a slim frame that leads to durability questions, but his elusiveness allows him to avoid the punishing hits. Watson is only a true sophomore and not eligible for the 2016 class, but he will enter next season as one of the top names to watch for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Henry projects as a top-60 draft pick with his physical and athletic skill set. (USATSI)
RUNNING BACK: Derrick Henry, Alabama, 6-2, 242, 4.54
Unlike quarterback, this selection wasn't an easy decision. Clemson running back Wayne Gallman has been one of the most underrated stars all season, rushing for more than 100 yards in nine of his last 11 starts. He's a redshirt sophomore and projects as a Day 2 prospect if he declares. But Henry gets the nod, especially after his Heisman-worthy junior season, becoming the first SEC back to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Henry isn't a lock first-round pick, but he projects as a top-60 draft pick with his physical and athletic skill set.
Ridley, a true freshman, developed into Alabama's go-to target. (USATSI)
WIDE RECEIVER: Calvin Ridley, Alabama, 6-0, 188, 4.50
The starting “X” receiver for Alabama, Ridley has developed into the go-to target through the air for the Crimson Tide with at least eight catches and 100 yards receiving in both the SEC Championship Game and Cotton Bowl. Alabama sorely missed Amari Cooper earlier in the year, but Ridley, who ranks second in the SEC in both catches (83) and receiving yards (1,031), is filling that void with his speed to stretch the field and be a threat after the catch. Despite already being 21 years old, Ridley is only a true freshman and not eligible until the 2018 NFL Draft.
Howard's frame and athleticism are ideal for what NFL scouts seek. (USATSI)
TIGHT END: O.J. Howard, Alabama, 6-6, 242, 4.59, #88
While Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett is the more productive of the two and a solid NFL prospect himself, Howard receives the edge because of his NFL traits. His frame and athleticism are ideal for what NFL scouts seek in a tight end prospect, along with his fluidity, ball skills and large-catch radius. Howard has also done a better job asserting himself as a blocker. While he is underutilized in this Alabama offense, the golden rule of scouting is "traits over production" and Howard should test well throughout the draft process if he leaves Tuscaloosa early for the 2016 NFL Draft.
Robinson has started all 28 games the last two seasons. (USATSI)
OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Cam Robinson, Alabama, 6-5, 326, 5.28
Since he arrived at Alabama as a blue-chip recruit, Robinson has been a standout left tackle, starting all 28 games the last two seasons. He moves very well for a man his size with an efficient setup and kickslide to handle speed off the edge, doing a terrific job on screens to get into space and eliminate defenders. Robinson will certainly be tested in this matchup, but Clemson's Shaq Lawson gave him some extra motivation, calling him the “second-best tackle” that he'll play this year. Just a true sophomore, Robinson will enter next season as one of the top draft-eligible offensive line prospects.
Kelly is the top center prospect in the country. (USATSI)
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE: Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 6-4, 297, 5.23
Arguably the top center prospect in the country, Kelly has been a model of consistency for the Tide offense this season with opposing coaches praising his knowledge and instincts as a blocker. He has a quick snap-and-step motion and works hard to gain body position, anchor and absorb contact, extending to keep defenders from his body. Kelly tends to play overaggressive at times, ending up on the ground, but his communication skills and grit make him the glue of the Alabama offensive line. He is in the conversation to be the first center drafted in April.
