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 recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Conference Championship Week
Alabama was able to upset Georgia and win the SEC Championship. They got a great effort from their defense in the game. Terrion Arnold was one of the best players on the field. He had a few pass breakups, although he did get called for a pass interference. Arnold also had a nice tackle to prevent a Georgia first down.
He has shown good tackling, ball skills and physicality at the corner position. Arnold also has good instincts and can jump routes. His play has really helped his draft stock. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Georgia lost the SEC Championship with their offense failing to consistently move the ball. They needed Ladd McConkey to play injured. He didn’t have his best game, but he finished with three catches for 38 yards.
It is fair to say McConkey likely would’ve played better if he were healthy. He has great route-running ability with the ability to separate, but that wasn’t present in the SEC Championship. McConkey still has solid draft stock and could be a day two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Texas dominated Oklahoma State to win the Big 12 Championship. Their offense stepped up. Even though Xavier Worthy played, he left the game with an injury. Adonai Mitchell ended up creating a few big plays for the Longhorns. He finished the game with six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Mitchell stepped up big time in this game and his draft stock continues to soar. He is explosive but also has solid size for the position. With another good game under his belt, Mitchell could be selected in the second or third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Longhorns also had their defense step up in the Big 12 Championship Game. They limited Oklahoma State’s rushing attack to just 31 yards. A lot of credit for that goes to Sweat, who clogged up running lanes and allowed others to make plays. He also got a play on offense in which he caught a touchdown pass.
Sweat has been disruptive all season long and that was true in this game. He has worked his way into being one of the first interior defensive linemen selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Currently, he is a projected second or third-round pick.
Toledo lost a tough game in the MAC Championship to Miami (Ohio). The defense played pretty well though, as they allowed just 23 points. Mitchell helped shut down the passing attack to 109 yards. He made a great play on the ball to stop a touchdown as he slapped it away, but otherwise wasn’t thrown at much.
Mitchell has good size and speed for an NFL corner. He has shown good ball skills throughout his career, which should help his draft stock. He should be selected in the second or third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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