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Writer's pictureBrandon Lundberg

Conference Championships: 2024 NFL Draft Prospects That Can Increase Their Stock

The 2023 college football conference championship weekend is pivotal for some of the top 2024 NFL draft prospects competing. With 11 title games across the Power 5, Group of 5 conferences, and an FCS matchup, the stakes are high for College Football Playoff implications and individual players aiming to elevate their draft stock. We selected a few prospects with the most to gain this week from each matchup.


Power 5 Championship Players to Watch


Pac-12: Oregon at Washington

Date & Time: Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)


Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

  • Strengths: Accuracy, decision-making, mobility.

  • 2023 Performance: [Details of his performance, such as passing yards, touchdowns, etc.]

  • Draft Projection: Day 2 prospect, potentially second or third round.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

  • Strengths: Superior arm strength, ability to make plays from the pocket.

  • 2023 Performance: 3,899 passing yards, 32 TD passes.

  • Draft Projection: Day 2 prospect, known for big-play potential.

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

  • Strengths: Physicality, aggressive after-the-catch, big-play ability.

  • 2023 Performance: 73 receptions, 1,326 yards, 13 touchdowns.

  • Draft Projection: Potential top-15 pick.


Big 12: Oklahoma State at Texas

Date & Time: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ABC)


Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

  • Strengths: Start-stop quickness, burst with the ball in hands, downfield threat.

  • 2023 Performance: 67 receptions, 883 yards.

  • Draft Projection: Top-32 player, highly sought after for explosive play ability.

T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

  • Strengths: Size, strength, run stopping.

  • 2023 Performance: 15 run stops, impactful in the middle.

  • Draft Projection: Top-60 prospect, rising in ranks.

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

  • Strengths: Explosiveness, penetration ability.

  • 2023 Performance: 11 pressures, five sacks.

  • Draft Projection: Top-60 prospect, gaining attention for disruptive plays.

SEC: Georgia at Alabama

Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (CBS)


Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

  • Strengths: Consistent pass-rushing, ability to create pressure.

  • 2023 Performance: 8 sacks, 38 pressures.

  • Draft Projection: Top-10 player, elite defensive prospect.

Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

  • Strengths: Edge rushing, forcing turnovers.

  • 2023 Performance: 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles.

  • Draft Projection: Early to middle Day 2 prospect.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

  • Strengths: Size, pass protection, resilience post-surgery.

  • 2023 Performance: Allowed only five pressures, no sacks.

  • Draft Projection: Top-15 prospect, potential first-round pick.


Big Ten: Michigan at Iowa

Date & Time: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox)


J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

  • Strengths: Creation ability, underneath passing.

  • 2023 Performance: [Details of his performance, such as passing yards, touchdowns, etc.]

  • Draft Projection: Top-20 player, fourth QB prospect.

Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

  • Strengths: Run defense and pass-rushing potential.

  • 2023 Performance: Two tackles for loss.

  • Draft Projection: Early- to mid-day two prospect, developing skills.


ACC: Louisville at Florida State

Date & Time: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)


Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

  • Strengths: Speed-to-power pass rushing, run defense.

  • 2023 Performance: 7 sacks, impactful in recent games.

  • Draft Projection: Top-20 pick, potential to rise in ranks.

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

  • Strengths: Physicality at the catch point, explosiveness after the catch.

  • 2023 Performance: 11 touchdowns on 46 catches.

  • Draft Projection: Top-10 player, notable for big-play ability.


Non-Power Five Championship Players To Watch


Conference USA: New Mexico State at Liberty

Date & Time: Friday, 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports)


X'Zauvea Gadlin, G, Liberty

  • Strengths: Versatility on the offensive line, strong run-blocking.

  • 2023 Performance: Consistent starting experience, no sacks allowed.

  • Draft Projection: Day 3 pick, solid blocker with experience.


MAC: Miami-Ohio at Toledo

Date & Time: Saturday, noon ET (ESPN)


Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

  • Strengths: Breakup ability, coverage skills.

  • 2023 Performance: Leads FBS in pass breakups.

  • Draft Projection: Late-Day 2 or early-Day three pick, strong in coverage.


Mountain West: Boise State at UNLV

Date & Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (Fox)


Ricky White, WR, UNLV

  • Strengths: Deep-ball tracking, open-field playmaking.

  • 2023 Performance: 1,300 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns.

  • Draft Projection: Midround pick, potential to return to school.

AAC: SMU at Tulane

Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ABC)


Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane

  • Strengths: Toughness, playmaking under pressure.

  • 2023 Performance: Tulane's career passing record holder.

  • Draft Projection: Day 3 pick, intriguing skill set.


SWAC: Prairie View A&M at Florida A&M

Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN2)


Isaiah Major, LB, Florida A&M

  • Strengths: Run defense, gap shooting.

  • 2023 Performance: Leading tackler, 177 tackles and 25 TFLs in two seasons.

  • Draft Projection: Late-round pick or undrafted, special teams potential.


Sun Belt: Appalachian State at Troy

Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN)


Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy

  • Strengths: Sack ability, versatile pass-rushing.

  • 2023 Performance: Tied for second in FBS in sacks.

  • Draft Projection: Late-round pick, fits as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

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