The field at the University of Phoenix Stadium will be loaded with NFL talent when Alabama and Clemson battle for the national championship Monday night.
The Crimson Tide have 11 draft-eligible prospects this year according to NFLDraftScout.com ratings, while the Tigers currently check in with six. Both programs have a host of freshmen and sophomores who are already on the NFL radar.
With so many future Sunday stars assembled on one field, we have compiled our All-Prospect Team to watch Monday night. NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler took the offense, while fellow analyst Rob Rang chose the defensive squad.
OFFENSE
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The offenses for both programs boast several Sunday players, including two Heisman finalists. Although Clemson has a much better offense than Alabama statistically, the Crimson Tide dominate the position-by-position All-Prospect team.
QUARTERBACK: Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 210, 4.74, #4.
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.
RUNNING BACK: Derrick Henry, Alabama, 6-2, 242, 4.54, #2.
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 100-plus yards in nine of his past 11 starts. He's a redshirt sophomore and projects as a Day Two prospect if he declares. But Henry gets the nod, especially after his Heisman-winning junior season, becoming the first SEC back to go over 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.
WIDE RECEIVER: Calvin Ridley, Alabama, 6-0, 188, 4.50, #3.
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 receiving yards in both the SEC Championship Game and Cotton Bowl. Alabama sorely missed Amari Cooper earlier in the season, 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 as 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.
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.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE: Cam Robinson, Alabama, 6-5, 326, 5.28, #74.
Since he arrived at Alabama as a blue-chip recruit, Robinson has been a standout left tackle, starting all 28 games the past two seasons. He moves very well for a man his size with an efficient set-up and kick-slide 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 Robinson 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.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE: Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 6-4, 297, 5.23, #70.
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.
DEFENSE
The elite NFL talent playing Monday night lies on the defensive side of the ball. NFLDraftScout.com has stamped first round grades on a combined six Tide and Tigers players eligible for the 2016 draft. All of them play defense.
4-3 DEFENSIVE END: Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 6-3, 270, 4.67, #90.
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 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.
4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Jonathan Allen, Alabama, 6-3 283, 4.73, #93.
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 would play 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, leading a defense filled with future draft picks in both tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (12).
NOSE GUARD: A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18, #86.
The powerful Robinson is the most imposing of Alabama's talented defensive line and a difference-maker 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.
3-4 DEFENSIVE END: Jarran Reed, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14, #90.
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 will ever lead the team in sacks, but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
EDGE RUSHER: Tim Williams, Alabama, 6-4, 230, 4.68, #56.
With opposing offensive lines already overwhelmed with Alabama's "big three," Williams erupted this season for 12.5 tackles for 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 intention to return to Alabama for his senior season.
INSIDE LINEBACKER: Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 6-2, 252, 4.72, #19.
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.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Reuben Foster, Alabama, 6-1, 240, 4.78, #10.
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.
CORNERBACK: Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43, #2.
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 Ridley should be a compelling battle of future first round picks.
CORNERBACK: Cordrea Tankersly, Clemson, 6-1, 195, 4.52, #25.
Though he doesn't get the national attention of his teammate, Tankersly 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. Tankersly, a junior, led the Tigers with 14 passes broken up in a breakout 2015 campaign, five of which he turned into interceptions.
NICKEL DEFENDER: Eddie Jackson, Alabama, 6-0, 194, 4.53, #4.
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 combined yards.
FREE SAFETY: Jayron Kearse, Clemson, 6-4, 220, 4.54, #1.
The nephew of former Tennessee Titans pass rusher Jevon "The Freak" Kearse and cousin of longtime NFL cornerback Phillip Buchanon, 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.
--Rob Rang and Dane Brugler are Senior Analysts for NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange distributed in partnership with CBSSports.com.
