After the opening round of the College Football Playoff, plenty of exciting matchups remain to be played. The first round featured lots of blowouts, but the intensity of the games to come should provide plenty to learn about this year's NFL Draft prospects.
A team like the Kansas City Chiefs can now focus on the draft for a few weeks as they await the divisional round of the playoffs. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is currently slated to have six picks in the 2025 draft, including 4 picks in the top 100 (courtesy of the Tennessee Titans and the L'Jarius Sneed trade).
With round two of the CFP ready to get underway on New Year's Eve, let's take a look at some players in each game to watch.
No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State (Fiesta Bowl) | December 31st 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
There's a very small probability that the Chiefs will get a chance to draft Jeanty but he's still worth the watch. The dynamic back posted historic numbers and finished second in the Heisman race. He has excellent vision and contact balance. He seemingly never goes down on first contact. He's had limited impact in the passing game but that might be more scheme-related than anything.
Abdul Carter, ED, Penn State
Carter might be the other top 10 pick playing in this game. Carter might be the best pure pass rush prospect in the class. He's slightly smaller than Felix Anudike-Uzomah and has played mostly as a stand-up edge. The difference between him and a player like Chop Robinson from Penn State last year is the power. Carter converts his speed to power well and can set the edge at a higher level.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren might be the best tight end prospect in the class. He's a high-level athlete whose best trait is his ability with the ball in his hands. He makes plays at the catch point constantly and is an average route runner. He's a strong enough blocker to play Y-TE as well.
No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas (Peach Bowl) | January 1st 1 p.m. | ESPN
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Cut from the same cloth as Xavier Worthy, Bond has taken over the vertical and horizontal stretch role for the Sarkisian offense. Another high school track star, Bond offers electric speed down the field and impressive short-area quickness. His speed isn't the same as Worthy (think more of Zay Flowers), and he's also fairly slight in stature (5-11 180 lbs.) so the catch radius is limited. Bond and Worthy could emulate the vision for Worthy and Hollywood Brown.
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
A mountain of a man, Williams is in his first as a starter. He's been the starting right tackle for the Longhorns this year and brings a powerful presence in the run game. His pass sets are emerging but inconsistent. However, with his youth and one year of starting this is a trait-sy prospect that brings upside to the tackle position. His upside makes him could look like Orlando Brown Jr as a right tackle.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
In any other draft cycle, a season like Skattebo is having would have him as the top back of the class with over 2,000 total yards and 22 touchdowns. Skattebo shows a nice blend of vision, power, contact balance, and the ability to make quick cuts. However, his burst leaves room to be desired in the open field and his ball security can be a concern (10 fumbles since 2022)
No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State (Rose Bowl) | January 1st 5 p.m. | ESPN
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
Stewart has shown flashes throughout his career, including the last time he faced Ohio State (149 yards 1 TD). Stewart has been inconsistent as a former 5-star recruit; he has major peaks and valleys with his performance. He's had 8 games with 30 receiving yards or less. However, the speed and agility can make anybody fall in love with the skill set. Stewart could be a nice Day 2 prospect where you bet on the upside.
Josh Conerly Jr. OT, Oregon
After a slow start to the 2024 season, John Conerly Jr. has steadily progressed and gotten better. His performance against Abdul Carter in the B1G Championship really stood out. His hand usage has improved greatly, and he has the needed size and length to stay at left tackle in the NFL. His athleticism makes him a quality run blocker, too. Don't be surprised if you start seeing him pop up in the first round of mock drafts.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
One of my favorite prospects in the class, Egbuka is a highly polished and versatile receiver. A quality route runner who can run out of the slot and out wide, a solid YAC option, and an excellent blocker as well. We've seen the steady pipeline of Ohio State receivers into the NFL, and Egbuka can be an impact player over the middle of the field in any offense. Health was a concern last year and he doesn't have elite speed or size. However, he seems to do everything well.
No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Sugar Bowl) | January 1st 8:45 p.m. | ESPN
Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia
Besides having an incredible mullet, Tate Ratledge is also known as the leader of the Bulldog offensive line. He's a physical tone-setter in the run game and an adequate pass blocker. Ratledge isn't going to be a needle-moving prospect at the combine and won't flash high-level traits but it's hard to find a rep where he loses. He is consistent and steady. He doesn't offer much versatility along the line but he can be a consistent starter for years to come.
Nazir Stackhouse, IDL, Georgia
Every defense needs an early-down run stuffer. The Chiefs have been looking for one in the draft since Derrick Nnadi. Stackhouse has the frame and the strength to stop the run and be a classic two-gapper at the next level. He brings very little to a pass rush but he excels at his role. There have been some concerns about his motor overall but that seems common at this point with Georgia defensive linemen.
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Watts looked like the best player on the field against Indiana in Round 1 of the CFP. We've seen young safeties come into the league and make a big impact on defenses. Watts can play in the box, out deep, or even out of the slot. He delivers a thump at the tackle point and has generated turnovers consistently. Look for Watts to make plays against a backup QB for Georgia.