NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Conference Championship Week

While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who 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 conference championship week.

1. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama has had a good regular season, finishing 11-1. Now they get the chance to play in the SEC Championship Game with a lot on the line. Their defense has been great and Arnold is a big reason why. So far this season, he has registered 55 total tackles and five interceptions.

In the SEC Championship, Arnold and Alabama will be playing Georgia. After a sluggish start to the season, the Bulldogs offense has picked things up. Arnold could be key in slowing down quarterback Carson Beck, who has developed well this season. Currently, Arnold is projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia has completed an undefeated regular season and are now playing in the SEC Championship. The reigning champs have had a good season and their offense has been better than year’s past. Ladd McConkey is a key contributor when healthy. He has 26 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns on the year.

For Georgia to beat Alabama, they will need to create big plays. McConkey has missed time over the last few weeks with an ankle injury. If he is able to play and create an impact, it really helps their chances. He is currently projected to be a second or third-round pick in the NFL Draft.

3. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas Longhorns

Texas lost one game during the regular season and are now in the Big 12 Championship Game with a chance to make the CFP. They have had a good offense, which in part is thanks to plenty of good weapons to utilize. Mitchell has been one of them and has had a good season. He has caught 45 passes for 704 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Longhorns are going up against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game. They will try to run the ball and chew clock, so a receiver who can create big plays can really help flip the pressure on the Cowboys. Xavier Worthy was banged up in the last game, so Quinn Ewers could be looking more in Mitchell’s direction this week. He is currently projected to be a day-two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

4. T’vondre Sweat, DL, Texas Longhorns

While the offense gets most of the headlines, there are some extremely talented players on Texas’s defense. One of their best is defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat. He has 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks on the year.

As mentioned, Oklahoma State is going to try to run the ball with star running back Ollie Gordon. If Texas can stop the run and make them pass, they will have a better chance to win. Sweat can help impact the game by taking on multiple blocks and being disruptive. He is projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

5. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo Rockets

Toledo is 11-1 this season with their only loss coming to Illinois. They are now preparing to play in the MAC Championship. Their offense has been great, but their defense has also been solid. Mitchell is the best player for the Rockets. He has 38 total tackles, one interception and 16 passes defended this season.

Over his career, Mitchell has shown good ball skills. He can help shut down the Miami (Ohio) passing attack and make them a one dimensional running team. With him holding up without help, more players can be thrown towards the line of scrimmage to stop the run and help the Rockets win the game. Mitchell is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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