Five NFL Draft Prospects to Watch on Championship Saturday

It's the last week of football before bowl season begins.  Championship Saturday. Here are five guys that I'll be paying attention to today.

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

Henry has been pushed into the spotlight this season, becoming the next great back to tote the rock for Nick Saban.  Lane Kiffin has finally put the offense on his shoulders, giving him 46 carries last weekend against Auburn.  Henry's draft stock is an interesting debate, but most would tell you he's in that 25-50 range.

NFL executives are generally scared of drafting taller runners with high picks.  In a poll that was conducted by NFL.com this past week, three of five NFL execs compared Henry to Brandon Jacobs.  If nothing else, that should show you how NFL clubs view Henry.

Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Alexander's draft stock is finally picking up some steam.  He had been overshadowed to this point by Jalen Ramsey and Hargreaves, but at least for now appears to be on their level.  He deserves top ten consideration. Alexander brings man coverage ability, athleticism and over the top confidence to the table.

He will be tasked with taking away half the field against a white hot North Carolina offense, featuring three potential NFL receivers in Bug Howard, Ryan Switzer and Quinshad Davis.  Alexander should see plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent.

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

Conklin isn't Laremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley, but he headlines the second tier of tackle prospects in the 2016 class. It may not always be pretty with him, but he's usually effective. He has size and length (6'6, 317) that the NFL guys are going to love. I think he ends up in the 20-30 range, but Conklin could end up being an option for the Titans if he slides.

Su'a Cravens, SS, USC

The Cravens situation is interesting.  Depending on who you ask, he's either a linebacker or a strong safety at the next level.  Standing in at 6'1, 225, he could end up at either spot in the NFL.  He shows enough coverage ability to handle plenty of responsibility at the NFL level, but has also displayed plenty of toughness playing within the front seven of the Trojans this season.  Cravens is a true chess piece and should offer plenty of value in the top 50 picks.

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Ragland has perhaps been overshadowed by the likes of Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith, but Ragland has done nothing but produce at Alabama.  You'll rarely see Ragland out of position in Alabama's 3-4 attack.  He has the size (6'2, 250) and instincts to sustain a long, successful NFL career.  I'm interested to see how the NFL views Ragland in comparison to Jack and Smith.  I think Ragland gives up some athletic ability to those two, but is probably more instinctive than both.