It's the final stretch of 2023 college football bowl games, and several 2024 NFL draft prospects will be looking to put up one last solid game of tape. Sure, plenty of the top names have opted out -- including USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels -- but we'll still see many potential first-rounders take the field.
So we asked NFL draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid a bunch of questions about the best and most interesting prospects in play over the final few days of games (not including the CFP National Championship on Jan. 8). Who could stand out and rise up draft boards? Who can answer lingering questions for scouts' evaluations with one more big outing?
Draft analyst Steve Muench also picked out an under-the-radar prospect to watch for each day of games, and then all three of our experts closed with early national title predictions.
Jump to:
CFP picks
MONDAY, JAN. 1
ReliaQuest Bowl: Wisconsin vs. LSU
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Liberty vs. Oregon
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: Iowa vs. Tennessee
Rose Bowl Game Pres. by Prudential: Alabama vs. Michigan
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Texas vs. Washington
Which first-round QB candidate -- J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. -- is in position to make the biggest statement Monday?
Reid: McCarthy, and I don't think it's close. Scouts were excited to see the Michigan signal-caller against Penn State and Ohio State at the end of the season after a lackluster schedule, but those matchups didn't really answer any questions. McCarthy threw 28 combined passes in those games as the Wolverines stuck to their run-heavy approach. He does what it takes to win, but he hasn't really shown what he's capable of as a passer. But now against Alabama? Michigan will likely have to showcase more of the passing game and give McCarthy more reps against an elite opponent.
There are mixed opinions on McCarthy's stock -- some scouts see him as a top-10 pick, while others believe he fits better late in Round 1 or early in Round 2. I personally grade him with that second group and have him at QB No. 5. But there's a lot riding on his College Football Playoff performance.
How do you stack those three QBs against one another right now?
Miller: McCarthy, Nix, Penix. This is a tough one because of the relative inexperience of McCarthy (26 starts) compared to Oregon's Nix (60) and Washington's Penix (43), but McCarthy has not had the early-career struggles of the other two. McCarthy has questions to his game, no doubt, but we should start to get answers throughout the CFP and the pre-draft process if he declares. All three are very closely ranked with top-50 grades, but McCarthy's efficiency and full-field throwing ability give him the current edge. He is No. 19 on my board, while Nix is No. 41 and Penix is No. 53.
Washington stays undefeated as Michael Penix Jr. tallies three total touchdowns in a road victory vs. No. 11 Oregon State.
How many of the New Year's Day running backs will be taken in the first three rounds?
Reid: Blake Corum (Michigan) and Bucky Irving (Oregon) are the two rushers expected to play whom I have graded in that range. It has been one of the more difficult positions to stack. But Corum is a dependable rusher with good vision and average speed, while Irving is a versatile and explosive threat who can run both between the tackles and outside on the perimeter. They are both Day 2 prospects.
Braelon Allen (Wisconsin) isn't playing but should join Corum and Irving in the Day 2 range; he's a sledgehammer at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, and he thrives in condensed sets. Jonathon Brooks (Texas) was a Day 2 prospect before suffering a torn ACL, and Dillon Johnson (Washington) is a Day 3 guy to keep an eye on -- he could rise.
Which NFL team likely picking in the top 15 is your favorite fit for Malik Nabers?
Miller: Can I please give Nabers to the Los Angeles Chargers? He is the draft's best after-the-catch receiver, averaging 18 yards per reception and scoring 14 touchdowns this season for LSU. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams exiting their prime years, and Quentin Johnston failing to produce as a rookie, Nabers would be set up with a new coaching staff and an excellent quarterback (Justin Herbert) to make a Garrett Wilson-like impact in L.A. The Chargers are currently projected to pick at No. 6, per ESPN's Football Power Index, and Nabers is No. 10 on my board.
Which receiver has the better chance to sneak into the first round, Troy Franklin or Brian Thomas Jr.?
Reid: My vote would go to LSU's Thomas. He's currently my No. 28-ranked player and No. 6 wide receiver, and scouts are intrigued by his 6-foot-4, 205-pound size and downfield ability. Thomas is tied for the FBS lead in touchdown receptions this season (15) and has averaged 18 yards per catch. There's a lot of untapped potential here, as well as a pathway to becoming a go-to option at the next level. While Oregon's Franklin -- who opted out of the Ducks' bowl game -- is an explosive option in all areas of the field, his slight frame at 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds and lack of play strength are evident.
What is Brandon Dorlus' best trait -- and comp?
Miller: Dorlus' ability to push and pull offensive linemen jumps off the tape. The Oregon edge rusher uses his length very well at 6-foot-3, and his hand play and quickness at shedding blockers to get to the backfield is top notch. The 290-pound lineman also has great initial pop and power, and he has the closing speed to consistently wreck plays in the backfield. Dorlus has five sacks and 33 pressures this season, which has moved him into my Day 2 grade range. As for an NFL comparison, I see Charles Omenihu -- a player versatile enough to play inside or outside who can win with quickness, length and power.
How are the scouting reports for Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold different, and which skill set would you rather have in the NFL?
Miller: Both Alabama corners are very talented, but it's about experience vs. potential when evaluating them. McKinstry has played in 40 games, collecting 21 pass breakups and picking off two passes. He's polished and battle tested, and he has solid all-around positional traits at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. Arnold, meanwhile, has 24 games of experience, but at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he's a touch bigger -- and that does show up in his length and ability to shut down passing lanes. Arnold is more aggressive in coverage and faster, and he plays with more urgency.
I'm personally taking Arnold (my No. 1 cornerback in this draft) over McKinstry, though both are Round 1 talents. Arnold's ability to locate, close on the ball and force turnovers (six picks and 20 PBUs in two seasons) gives him the edge.
What has impressed you most about Dallas Turner this season?
Miller: Turner had a really good season while being the understudy to Will Anderson Jr. in 2022. But I've been really impressed with how he broke out in 2023 despite offenses now focusing on him as Alabama's primary pass-rusher. Turner has 43 pressures this season, and he has seen his sack total tick up from four to nine with all eyes on him coming off the edge. Turner is my top-ranked defensive player in the draft (No. 5 overall) thanks to his burst and bend, and he has proved in 2023 that he's a player offenses must scheme to stop.
The Sugar Bowl is loaded with pass-catching prospects. Who will have the biggest game?
Reid: If you like watching wide receiver play, this is the game for you. I'm going with Washington's Rome Odunze. My No. 9 overall prospect, Odunze is as smooth as they come at the position. The Longhorns have the 95th-ranked defense against the pass this season, and I think Odunze is set to have a big day. He has surpassed 100 receiving yards in each of his past four games, and I think that streak continues. He could also haul in his 14th touchdown catch of the season.
Which Texas pass-catcher has the best chance to go on Day 1?
Miller: Choosing between receiver Xavier Worthy, receiver Adonai Mitchell and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders isn't easy, but I'll give Worthy the slight edge. The reason? Elite downfield speed. Worthy has been clocked by team sources in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. He's lean, and there were drop issues on his 2022 tape, but he has matured as a player and has game-changing vertical ability. Mitchell and Sanders are also ranked in my top 35 overall and have a claim to Round 1, but Worthy's speed is a truly special trait.
You need to stuff a run play to win a game. Would you rather have Kris Jenkins or T'Vondre Sweat lined up in the middle?
Reid: Sweat is the easy answer here. There isn't a better interior run defender in the country than Texas' 6-foot-4, 362-pound defensive tackle. Sweat is excellent at maintaining control at the point of attack. And as a nimble mover for a defensive lineman of his size, he not only clogs his gaps but can also disengage and make plays on ball carriers. He has 16 run stops this season, along with nine tackles for loss.
Michigan's Jenkins is still feeling his way around at the position, though he has strong hands and a great frame at 6-foot-3, 305 pounds. He does flash during games but is inconsistent in many areas. He has four run stops and two tackles for loss this season. Sweat has an early-Round 2 grade, while Jenkins should go in the middle-to-late parts of Day 2.
What is holding Bralen Trice back from being higher on draft boards?
Miller: Trice has great production and consistency, but his lack of first-step quickness and bend is keeping him behind lesser-productive edge rushers on draft boards. Trice, at 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds, has 16 sacks and 108 pressures the past three seasons. He's constantly making plays or setting up Washington teammates because offensive linemen are so focused on him. A second-rounder on my board, Trice isn't likely to test exceptionally well in the pre-draft process, but his tape is fantastic.
Does Troy Fautanu project better at tackle or guard in the NFL?
Reid: He has gained experience at both spots at Washington, with 1,792 of his 1,912 snaps coming at tackle. But while opinions among scouts are mixed on his next-level projection, I believe he has more upside at guard, where he can showcase his awareness, strength and lower-body balance. Fautanu is a light-footed and physical blocker, and at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, his lack of length shows up in spurts in pass protection. He's 19th on my board and could be a mid-Round 1 pick.
Which CFP team will have the most players drafted?
Miller: Michigan. The Wolverines are loaded with upperclassmen starters and talented players along both lines of scrimmage, and I have 12 guys from Jim Harbaugh's team ranked inside my top 200 prospects. Alabama comes in second with 11 players, while Texas has 10 and Washington has six.
Interestingly enough, Michigan has the fewest players ranked in my top 32 of the College Football Playoff teams. Alabama has five, Texas has four, Washington has two and Michigan has just one (McCarthy). So if you're focused on premium picks, Michigan won't wow you -- but the depth is phenomenal.
Who will rise the most over the course of the CFP?
Reid: He has already helped himself tremendously this season, but Penix is my pick. The matchup against Texas sets up well for him to continue to showcase his ability as a passer, but we might see more from him in terms of mobility, an underrated area of his game that might surprise a lot of people. We saw hints of it against Oregon State and Oregon at the end of the season, but since he has been pressured at the nation's seventh-lowest rate (25.5%) this season, he hasn't had a chance to show much there. Medicals remain the biggest question mark with Penix -- he has missed time because of shoulder and knee injuries over six seasons -- but I have him graded as the No. 4 QB.
Who are the key 2025 prospects in play Monday?
Miller: Let's start with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is expected to return to school for another season. Ewers has to become more consistent and stay healthy, but he is in the mix for QB1 in 2025. Protecting Ewers' blindside is left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who is my early OT1, too.
On defense, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is worth watching against Alabama. He would be in my top five overall on an early '25 board. And while LSU isn't in the playoff mix, the Tigers play Monday -- and Harold Perkins Jr. is a potential top prospect. He has moved around the LSU defense this season, and scouts see him as a do-it-all linebacker/edge-rusher at the next level.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar prospect playing Monday?
Muench: Christian Jones, OT, Texas. Jones is a four-year starter who has played right and left tackle. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, he's a powerful run blocker, and his frame makes it tough to get around him in pass pro. He needs to improve his hand fighting and tighten up his footwork, but he grades out as a swing tackle who provides depth and could develop into a starter. Jones projects as a midround pick with an opportunity to move up boards with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.
Who will win the College Football Playoff?
Miller: Texas over Alabama. The Longhorns bested the Crimson Tide earlier this season and are a better team defensively now than they were in Week 3. The pass-catching talent at Texas is too good for Alabama to stop.
Muench: Michigan over Washington. A Michigan team that has been galvanized by adversity can slow a couple of explosive offenses by complementing its commitment to the run with outstanding defense. I'm looking for the Wolverines to get some timely plays from the only quarterback who has started a playoff game in McCarthy and win the turnover battle en route to a national title.
Reid: Alabama over Washington. I think the Crimson Tide are the most complete team in the College Football Playoff -- and they are playing really well at the perfect time.
PREVIOUS QUESTIONS
THURSDAY, DEC. 28
Wasabi Fenway Bowl: SMU vs. Boston College
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs. Miami
Pop-Tarts Bowl: NC State vs. Kansas State
Valero Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs. Oklahoma
What is Cooper Beebe's ceiling in the NFL?
Reid: Beebe is the definition of a plug-and-play guard with starter potential right out of the gates. At 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, he has a wide frame and can bring a physical presence to an NFL offensive front. Beebe won't thrive in space, and you'd want him playing in a downhill scheme that emphasizes overpowering defenders at the point of attack. Beebe is likely a Day 2 pick who will be an immediate contributor.
Who is the best prospect to watch in the Alamo Bowl with a few high-end offensive tackles not playing?
Miller: With Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) and Jordan Morgan (Arizona) opting out, Wildcats wide receiver Jacob Cowing is my top-ranked player in action. He has electric speed and grabbed 83 catches for 11 touchdowns (tied a school record) so far this season. He's a master on underneath routes and at finding soft zones in coverage. At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Cowing lacks the size of a top-100 prospect but is a very good Day 3 option.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar prospect playing Thursday?
Muench: Elijah Chatman, DT, SMU. Mustangs defensive tackle Jordan Miller and defensive end Elijah Roberts fit the NFL mold better in terms of their frames, but I love Chatman's tape and have a Day 3 grade on him. He has rare upper-body strength and can toss blockers aside once he locates the ball. And his low center of gravity and quick first step make it tough to move him off the ball even though he's listed at 6-foot and 278 pounds. Chatman has the powerful hands, sudden change-of-direction traits and closing burst to develop into an effective pass-rusher.
FRIDAY, DEC. 29
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Clemson vs. Kentucky
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Oregon State vs. Notre Dame
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Memphis vs. Iowa State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Missouri vs. Ohio State
What is your favorite comp for TreVeyon Henderson?
Miller: Aaron Jones. Henderson is a shorter back (5-foot-11) with a strong build around 210 pounds, much like Jones (5-foot-9, 209 pounds). He's a stout off-tackle runner and can work between the tackles thanks to his short-area quickness and agility. And Henderson is also a very reliable receiver out of the backfield with 50 career receptions and 37 total touchdowns. I have a third-round grade on him.
What do you want to see from Emeka Egbuka to get him back into the first-round mix?
Reid: It has been a disappointing season for Egbuka. He has battled through a nagging ankle injury and inconsistent QB play on the way to 452 receiving yards. The big emphasis will be showing that he's healthy. But I'll also be paying attention to how explosive he looks and the precision of his routes. Considering how deep this wide receiver class is right now, Egbuka projects more as a Day 2 pick, and he has the potential to become a dependable WR2 at the next level.
Can Kris Abrams-Draine contain Ohio State's top-tier pass-catchers?
Miller: Contain? It's possible, even with Mizzou's other corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. not playing. Abrams-Draine is a crafty technician with awesome agility and experience. He has seen every route combo, and he makes plays (four interceptions, 10 pass breakups this season). And while Marvin Harrison Jr. and Egbuka are legitimate talents -- Harrison is my No. 2 overall player in the draft class -- the quarterback situation at Ohio State is rocky with starter Kyle McCord transferring to Syracuse. This is a very good Missouri defense, and there's a chance we see a quieter day than normal from the Buckeyes' wideouts.
Why isn't Cody Schrader getting any real draft buzz?
Reid: Schrader has been one of the more underrated transfer portal stories of the past few seasons. After playing at Division II Truman State from 2018 to '21, he walked on at Mizzou and immediately became the Tigers' lead running back. And he has rushed for 124.1 yards per game this season (second best in the country) and scored 13 times on the ground. At 5-foot-9 and 214 pounds, he's a decisive downhill runner. But speed has been a concern for Schrader, and there are questions about his ability to create at the NFL level. I see him as a mid-Day 3 pick, though he could be picked higher as a complementary rusher in a down running back class.
J.J. McCarthy breaks a tackle and runs over a man on his way to a Wolverines touchdown.
Which Ohio State defensive player has the most draft upside?
Miller: Defensive end JT Tuimoloau is my top-ranked Buckeye and has first-round upside. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior has been inconsistent, but turn on tape from his best snaps, and you'll see a guy with top-20 upside. He is very good against the run and displays solid hand play in pass-rush situations. Tuimoloau had four sacks against Penn State the past three years and has proven that he's able to turn his tools into production in the biggest games.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar prospect playing Friday?
Muench: Blake Watson, RB, Memphis. Watson's patience, quick feet and burst make him an excellent fit for zone-heavy schemes. He presses the line and gets second-level defenders to commit before cutting up and accelerating through the hole. He has caught 50 passes this season as a reliable checkdown with the burst to produce after the catch. And while Watson is a smaller back who doesn't grade out as a primary ball carrier in the NFL, he's tough and runs out of some arm tackles. He projects as a late-round pick right now.
SATURDAY, DEC. 30
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Penn State
TransPerfect Music City Bowl: Auburn vs. Maryland
Capital One Orange Bowl: Georgia vs. Florida State
Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl: Toledo vs. Wyoming
Which defensive back are you more excited to see in the Music City Bowl, Jaylin Simpson or Beau Brade?
Reid: Simpson (Auburn) and Brade (Maryland) are back to back on my positional rankings as the Nos. 5 and 6 safeties. Each brings a different type of skill set. Simpson is more of a hard-hitting single-high free safety, while Brade is a jack-of-all-trades defensive back. I'm more excited to see Simpson, and specifically whether he can clean up his tackling. He is very inconsistent in that area -- he tends to come downhill with a lot of aggression, and it results in too many missed tackles (13 in 2023).
Which Georgia star will get drafted first, Brock Bowers or Amarius Mims?
Miller: I'm going with Bowers, based mostly on Mims' ankle injury and limited starts (eight in his career). Bowers is the top tight end in the class, with 31 total touchdowns over his three seasons. Sure, tight ends get devalued on draft weekend, but Bowers is a George Kittle-like prospect and a legitimate top-10 talent. And while Mims' power is very impressive, his lack of experience raises questions. I have a second-round grade on Mims, and he's my No. 5 offensive tackle.
Which Day 2 Bulldog prospect has the best chance to rise before April?
Reid: I have an early-Round 2 grade on cornerback Kamari Lassiter, but it wouldn't come as a surprise if he's taken late on Day 1. You won't find a more intense defensive back in this class. Lassiter plays with confidence, and he has allowed a 27.3% completion percentage into his coverage this season -- fourth best in the FBS. His speed is a question mark, though. He tends to allow separation when running vertically with receivers, so pre-draft events could help provide some answers there and potentially boost his stock.
Predict Ladd McConkey's stat line for Saturday.
Miller: Well, it depends on whether we see a healthy McConkey after the star junior wideout struggled through an injury-plagued season at Georgia. But assuming he's healthy, I'll go with seven catches, 110 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot, 185-pound receiver has sweetness in his route tree thanks to quick feet and fantastic balance. He's unstoppable on crossing routes with great ability to gain yards after the catch. And when he is 100%, he's a top-50 player in this class.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar prospect playing Saturday?
Muench: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State. A Western Michigan transfer, Fiske has recorded nine tackles for loss, sacked the quarterback six times and moved into the Day 2 draft range in his lone season with the Seminoles. His best attribute is his motor -- his effort jumps out when you watch his tape. He shoots his hands, stacks blockers and tracks the ball well when he's not shooting gaps defending the run. And Fiske has active hands and closes well on a straight line rushing the passer.
Is Olumuyiwa Fashanu locked in as the No. 1 offensive tackle at this point in the process?
Miller: Yes, even with Notre Dame's Joe Alt right behind him on draft boards. Fashanu has allowed one sack as a two-year starter at Penn State, and at 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, he has excellent size, bulk and length for an NFL left tackle. But most impressive is his agility in pass protection and when asked to get out in front as a run-blocker. Fashanu already has high-end starter traits, but he still has room to get even better thanks to his quickness and poise. He is my No. 3 overall player in the class with a pro player comp to Terron Armstead.
Which cornerback is the better ball hawk: Kalen King or Quinyon Mitchell?
Reid: You'd be hard-pressed to find a college cornerback who has made more plays on the ball than Mitchell. The Toledo corner is tied for second in the country with 15 pass breakups, and he has 32 pass breakups and six interceptions over the past two years. Mitchell also has allowed a 35.6% completion percentage as the primary defender this season, a top-30 number in the country. Over the summer, multiple area scouts told me they had Mitchell as a top-100 pick, but he's now a potential late-Round 1 selection after a strong campaign.
King, meanwhile, had 15 pass breakups and a pick last season at Penn State, but he has gone without an interception and has only one pass breakup this season.