Ohio State and Notre Dame will play in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday at 7:30 p.m.
The Buckeyes (13-2) are favored against the Fighting Irish (14-1) in a game that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and air on ESPN.
These are players the New York Giants, currently holding the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, will study very closely, both video and medical reports, and not just for this season, but in the future. Unfortunately, two projected first-round picks are injured and not expected to play: Ohio State LT Josh Simmons (knee) and Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison (hip).
#2 Emeka Egbuka, WR
The lowdown: Tough and technically sound out of the slot. Egbuka is likely a mid-first round pick and he’s one of those prospects who could be an even better pro.
#74 Donovan Jackson, G/T
The lowdown: Versatile, athletic and smart lineman with versatility could be an early Day 2 option. He’s a Top 50 prospect who could see his stock rise given his chances of stepping in at tackle or guard.
#32 TreVeyon Henderson, RB
The lowdown: With elite speed and acceleration, Henderson is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and is one to keep an eye on. A deep running back class and an injury history could push him well into Day 2.
#18 Will Howard, QB
The lowdown: All the tools are there for Howard to be an NFL quarterback; at what level is the question. He’s a developmental prospect and will get the chance at the Senior Bowl to improve his stock.
#4 Jeremiah Smith, WR
The lowdown: The true freshman is not draft eligible for two years, but is worth mentioning here given just how good he is. There’s nothing wrong with targeting players early in evaluation, and this is going to be an elite first round talent down the road.
#0 Xavier Watts, S
The lowdown: An intriguing player on the back end with tremendous ball skills – Watts has six INTs this year – and could be someone for Giants to consider to pair with Tyler Nubin on Day 2.
#56 Howard Cross III, DT
The lowdown: Yes, you should recognize the name. The son of the former Giants Super Bowl champion and current radio sideline reporter is a versatile presence on the interior. Should be an intriguing piece for someone to add to their defensive front early on Day 3.
#1, Jordan Clark, CB
The lowdown: The son of one-time Giant and longtime NFL pro turned ESPN analyst Ryan Clark is at home in the nickel. The East-West Shrine Bowl commit has played safety as well and could be a Day 3 selection.
#24 Jack Kiser, LB
The lowdown: His instincts and run defense should give him a shot to make it in the league. Leadership and willingness to stand out on special teams will undoubtedly put him on the radars of many for contributions come game days in the pros.
#88 Mitchell Evans, TE
The lowdown: He’s a Day 3 prospect who can block and catch, and the lineage at the position for Notre Dame should only help attract attention.
#13 Riley Leonard, QB
The lowdown: Leonard has been on the radar from his time at Duke, and now he’s added winner to the gamer description he’s always carried. He’s an athlete who should hear his name called beginning in the fifth round and you can bet some coaches see Taysom Hill Lite with Leonard.
#4 Jeremiyah Love, RB
The lowdown: Not draft eligible until next year, the sophomore has elite speed and has proven to be a weapon in every facet. He’s been banged up, but make no mistake: Love is one to watch with a long-term view. He’s an exciting player.
#6 Jordan Faison, WR
The lowdown: The sophomore isn’t yet eligible for the NFL Draft, but he’s emerged as one of the top players for Notre Dame in its run to the title game. He’s also already a national champion in lacrosse and could go into next season as a legitimate prospect with another big performance here.
#91 Tyleik Williams, DL
The lowdown: The 6-foot-3, 327-pounder is one of the best tackles in college football and could play his way onto team’s boards for first round consideration.
#44 JT Tuimoloau, Edge
The lowdown: He’s a solid and physical player against the run, which should earn him Day 2 looks. Tuimoloua might be best as a fit in even fronts at defensive end rather than OLB in a 3-4.
#33 Jack Sawyer, Edge
The lowdown: Motor and toughness. He’s a Day 2 pick who made the play of the game in the CFP semifinals when he strip-sacked Texas’ Quinn Ewers and scored a game-sealing touchdown
#0 Cody Simon, LB
The lowdown: Former St. Peter’s Prep star from Jersey City is an excellent run defender who also holds his own in coverage; value as a developmental prospect and potential special teamer.
#1 Davison Igbinosun, CB
The lowdown: The Union, New Jersey, native is a blazer who can cover on the outside; expectation is that he is selected late Day 2 or early Day 3.
