5) Byron Young, DT, Alabama (6-3, 292)
Allstate Sugar Bowl vs. Kansas State
December 31, 12 p.m. ET | Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) | ESPN
One of my favorite one-on-one battles of this year’s bowl season is Young’s matchup against Wildcats All-American left guard Cooper Beebe. Young is trying to catch up with his former teammate, Phidarian Mathis, for promotion to a second-round draft pick. However, he has more potential as a pass rusher than Mathis and could play the three or five technique, giving him a versatile skill set. Taking down Beebe quickly from center and/or holding his own against the strong guard in the running game would help his cause.
4) Max Duggan, quarterback, TCU (6-2, 210)
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl vs. Michigan (CFP semifinal)
December 31, 4 p.m. ET | State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona) | ESPN
While Max’s father’s name is Jim, the older Duggan is not “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, the famous former professional wrestler. It wouldn’t be a surprise if your father We are a fighter, however, given the TCU leader’s toughness in the pocket and as a running back. Duggan’s arm isn’t elite, but he has plenty of speed when his feet are steady and displays a deft touch on top. Michigan’s defense will try to keep him in the pocket and force him to pass passes in tight windows. Accurately executing those shots against the Wolverines’ coverage in a high-pressure environment would propel Duggan up the draft boards.
3) Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama (6-2, 228)
Allstate Sugar Bowl vs. Kansas State
December 31, 12 p.m. ET | Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) | ESPN
A showdown between To’oTo’o and Wildcats star Deuce Vaughn will be a must-see TV show. The defensive leader is usually able to find the ball on running plays, but sometimes he’ll have to beat offensive linemen one-on-one, and Vaughn’s 5-foot-6 frame can be hard to spot among the big bodies. Vaughn also has 42 receptions in the game, so To’oTo’o’s ability to track his back in space will help scouts determine if he’s a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
2) Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State (6-6, 272)
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. Georgia (CFP semifinal)
December 31, 8 p.m. ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) | ESPN
Harrison came into his own for the Buckeyes late in the year, using his size and athleticism to record sacks at key moments and play strong against the run to fulfill his potential as a top 50 prospect. He lines up on either side of the line, so Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones and right tackles Warren McClendon (if he’s healthy) and Amarius Mims will try to block him. To help the Buckeyes get to the title game and improve their draft stock, Harrison must be an impact player, throwing blocks on the rim to affect quarterback Stetson Bennett in the pocket and prevent the running backs committee. of the Bulldogs come out.
1) Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State (6-8, 359)
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. Georgia (CFP semifinal)
December 31, 8 p.m. ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) | ESPN
Georgia’s defense isn’t as dominant as it was in 2021, but there’s still plenty of talent Jones will be assigned to block on Saturday night. Robert Beal Jr. helped take over from the loss of star running back Nolan Smith, and former five-star recruit Mykel Williams blossomed in the second half of the season. However, Jones has shown this year that he won’t be overwhelmed by the power moves of Beal and Williams due to his elite size for the job. If he can combine quick feet with NFL-caliber length to avoid outside speed attacks, he’ll impress NFL personnel evaluators.