2021 NFL Draft: 17 prospects in the CFB Playoff National Championship for the Eagles to watch
No college footbal programs have produced more NFL Draft picks than Alabama (48) and Ohio State (45) over the past five years and despite the Eagles penchant for passing on Crimson Tide stars, they have a handful of players to watch in Monday’s College Football Playoff championship game all the more interesting.
With the Eagles holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, here are 17 players for the Birds to watch.
Jonathon Cooper, DE, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jonathon Cooper (0) forces a fumble by Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Ohio State won 49-28.
College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl
A senior captain, Cooper leads the Buckeyes with 3.5 sacks.
Thayer Munford, OT, Ohio State
Dec 7, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) reacts to throwing a touchdown pass with teammate offensive lineman Thayer Munford (75) against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2019 Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
A possible late-round selection, Munford struggles against speed rushers, but his length makes up for any deficiencies.
Sevyn Banks, CB, Ohio State
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) runs back an interception of Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Ohio State won 49-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports
While he isn’t as well-known as Wade, Banks has been the more consistent cover man this season for the Buckeyes. Banks does a nice job playing the football, finishing the Sugar Bowl with two passes defended, intercepting Clemson star QB Trevor Lawrence to seal the victory for Ohio State.
Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
Alabama defensive backs Josh Jobe (28) and Patrick Surtain, II, (2) against Duke in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday August 31, 2019.
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A physical cover man, Jobe can be aggressive and wild in coverage, but he's battle-tested as the cornerback opposite Patrick Surtain II, and this season he logged 11 passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Shaun Wade, CB/S, Ohio State
7. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Wade supposed to be next in line to carry on the tradition of elite cornerback play out of Ohio State. A star in the slot during the 2019 season, Wade has experienced some difficulties on the outside. Wade is a strong tackler with size and athleticism, but his footwork this season has left a lot to be desired.
Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) throws the ball with Alabama defender Phidarian Mathis (48) in his face during the SEC Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Dec. 19, 2020. [Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun]
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Christian Barmore is the most talented of the group, but don’t overlook Mathis, who consistently stood out this season. At 315 pounds Mathis is versatile and tough. Mathis logged over 70 snaps at nose tackle, defensive tackle, and defensive end across his 326 total snaps this season, and he has been productive at all three positions.
Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Deonte Brown (65) blocking in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
A big, powerful blocker with a physical attitude and technical approach, Brown is a monster run blocker.
Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Pete Werner (20) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Travis Etienne (9) after a catch in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.
College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl
A versatile and tough linebacker, Werner has the athleticism to play any linebacker position and the intelligence to stay on the field during passing downs.
Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Trey Sermon (8) grabs the face mask of Clemson Tigers safety Joseph Charleston (18) as he runs upfield during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Ohio State won 49-28.
College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl
Over his last three games against Michigan State, Northwestern and Clemson, Sermon has rushed 70 times for 636 yards and four touchdowns. He's averaged 9.1 yards per carry over that span and his hard running style will draw NFL teams.
Alex Leatherwood, OT/G, Alabama
22. Dolphins - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Syndication Montgomery
A likely guard in the NFL, Leatherwood is a massive athlete. A solid day two prospect, Leatherwood didn't allow a single pressure against Notre Dame, and this season, he ranked seventh among all Power 5 left tackles in run-block grade at 84.2.
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses (32) makes an open field tackle on Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 in the College Football Playoff Semifinal hosted by the Rose Bowl in AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
A star since the 8th grade, Moses can go sideline to sideline. After missing last season due to an ACL injury, Moses returned in 2020 and although he plays with his athleticism and toughness, he's struggled in coverage.
Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
6. Wyatt Davis, Guard, Ohio State
A physical guard, the Eagles, or any other franchise could plug Davis in right away.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
5. Chris Olave WR Ohio State
Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle are the top-three receivers in this draft, but Olave is a player to watch for the Eagles who need help on the outside.
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) pressures Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) as he passes during the Crimson Tide's 35-13 victory in Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
Alabama Vs Tennessee
A Philadelphia native, Barmore is only a redshirt sophomore, but currently leads the Tide in sacks (7.0) and forced fumbles (3).
Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain, II, (2) against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium on the MSU campus in Starkville, Ms., on Saturday November 16, 2019.
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The son of a Pro Bowl cornerback, Surtain has waited years for this moment. He lacks top-end speed, but he makes up for it with instincts and knowledge of the game that can't be taught.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Oct 3, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs for a touchdown after catching a long pass from Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated A&M 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
Waddle was on a Heisman pace before suffering a broken ankle against Tennessee.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a catch for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick McCloud (4) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Smith is similar to DeSean Jackson and plays with explosive athleticism, instinctive route-running, and natural pass-catching ability. There could be durability concerns in the NFL, but there's no doubt he's pro ready.
