While the 2021 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football conference championship week.
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers are getting a rematch in the ACC Championship with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish account for their only loss of the season, so they will be focused. They will also have quarterback Trevor Lawrence this time around. Lawrence has passed for 2,431 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions on 69.2 percent completion.
For the Tigers to make the CFP this season, they need to beat Notre Dame. Lawrence being healthy for this game this time around will give the Tigers a better chance to win. A good game won’t help his draft stock, as he is already the projected top pick, but it will help his team immensely.
2. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has had a great season, when they’ve been able to play. COVID issues have canceled games, but they are undefeated looking for a spot in the CFP. They’ll need win the Big Ten Championship against Northwestern. Wide receiver Chris Olave will need to help the offense open up against a tough Northwestern defense. In five games this season, Olave has had 36 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns.
The offense needs to have a good game and Olave could help Ohio State out greatly against Northwestern. He is currently seen as a first or second round pick. Every game matters for wide receivers to improve their stock in this deep class.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC Trojans
USC has an undefeated season going, even if they haven’t received a lot of love from the CFP committee. They need to win and win big over Washington for any chance at the CFP this season. That will require a lot of points and some good play from their star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown has caught 36 passes for 404 yards and six touchdowns this season.
As mentioned, this draft class is very deep. St. Brown is just a junior with the option to go back to USC for one more season. A good game and his stock going up could entice him to enter this draft after this season. He is currently projected as a mid-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
4. Kyle Trask, QB, Florida Gators
Florida was set to play Alabama and with a win, be in the CFP. Unfortunately for the Gators, they lost to LSU and the offense didn’t play up to their potential without tight end Kyle Pitts in the lineup. If they have any shot to beat Alabama, Kyle Trask needs to put up some big numbers, much like he had done in the games leading up to their matchup with LSU. Trask has 3,717 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and five interceptions on 70.2 percent completion.
Some people will look at the eye-popping numbers and think Trask is a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. While he could go in the first round, he is much more likely to go on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft. A good game against Alabama will help him rebound.
5. Elijah Mitchell, RB, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
Louisiana plays in the Sun Belt, but they have two NFL-bound running backs. Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas are both really good, but Mitchell has been more productive this season. He will look forward to having a big game against Coastal Carolina. Mitchell has 122 carries for 751 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.
In the first game against Coastal Carolina, he had nine carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns. He has just one game of over 100 yards rushing this season and will hope to bust out another one against the Chanticleers. Mitchell is a current mid to late round projected pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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