NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in College Football Week 12

While the 2026 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 week 12.

1. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Ever since losing the season opener, Alabama is undefeated. They haven’t had the greatest run game, but Ty Simpson has been able to overcome that with his great play at quarterback. He has passed for 2,184 yards, 20 touchdowns and one interception on 67.8 percent completion. Simpson will have to play well this weekend, as Alabama is hosting an Oklahoma team with a solid defense.

At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, he is a little under the average size of an NFL quarterback and could add some strength to his frame. He has made great second-level throws, fitting the ball into tight windows, which has really opened up Alabama’s offense. Simpson has solid arm strength and plays with great anticipation. He won’t make many plays out of structure, but what he does in structure is what is impressive. Simpson is currently projected to be a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

2. Christen Miller, DL, Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia has just one loss on the season and still has a lot to play for down the stretch. Their defense isn’t filled with plenty of impact players like past years, but they do have some playmakers. Christen Miller has been great on the interior for the Bulldogs this season. He has 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss on the season. His play could help Georgia slow down Texas this week.

Miller has great size for the NFL at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds. He excels at stopping the run for a team. Miller can take on multiple blocks and can free up other players on defense to make plays, even if he doesn’t have a ton of tackles himself. He won’t offer much as a pass rusher and will likely not play on a lot of third downs. Miller is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

3. Makai Lemon, WR, USC Trojans

USC has two losses on the season and are still alive to make some noise down the stretch. They have had some offensive players standing out, which includes Makai Lemon. So far this season, Lemon has caught 61 passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be going up against a good Iowa defense this weekend, which will give him another chance to show what he can do.

At 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, Lemon doesn’t have great size for the position. He plays inside and out in college, but may be resigned to the slot in the NFL. Lemon can struggle beating press and could improve his run blocking. He provides value in other ways, as he is a good athlete who can change directions well. He runs good routes and has the ability to run after the catch well. Currently, he is projected to be a first round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

4. TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson Tigers

Clemson has had an awful season, despite having plenty of talented players on the roster. Parker is one of these talented players. His play hasn’t been as good this season and the team has suffered. In 2025, he has 28 total tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks. The Tigers will need him to step it up against Louisville this week.

Parker is a well-built defensive end at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds. He has just average burst at the snap and his pad level gets elevated too much. Parker has good strength and can rush from the inside on passing downs. He has a good motor and hand usage working to his advantage. His pass-rush moves are diverse as well. Despite his struggles, he is still projected to be a first-round pick.

5. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

San Diego State has had a solid season, as they have just two losses and could win the MWC. Their defense has plaenty of playmakers on it and the best is cornerback Chris Johnson. Johnson has 40 total tackles, three interceptions, seven passes defended and two touchdowns on the year. He will be going up against a talented Boise State team in week 12.

Johnson is 6-foot and 195 pounds, which is decent for a corner, but he could continue to fill out his frame more. He is versatile in his coverage, as he is able to play man or zone well. Johnson has fluid hips and great ball skills. While he won’t help as much against the run and he lacks elite long speed, he is a quality cornerback. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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