College Football Playoffs: NFL Draft Prospects To Watch

Today is the first day of the College Football Playoff Quarter-Finals. The eight best teams in the country will face off as they chase a championship. Unsurprisingly, these teams are loaded with NFL talent. Here is one player on each team that Eagles fans should keep an eye on for potential draft targets in April.

All listed times are Eastern Standard Time.

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State v. Penn State (7:30 PM on ESPN)
Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State: The Eagles may need to start thinking about a Dallas Goedert successor given the tight end’s health struggles over the last few seasons. Tyler Warren has emerged as the best tight end in the country this season, doing it all as a pass catcher, blocker, and even ball carrier in the running game. He is a versatile weapon who would thrive in Philly. Expect him to see the ball often against the Broncos tonight.

Ahmed Hassanein, Edge Defender, Boise State: It’s hard for any Boise State player to outshine Ashton Jeanty, but Ahmed Hassanein has been a major factor on the Broncos defense for two years now. The senior from Egypt has 20.5 sacks since the beginning for the 2023 season, winning with great physicality and a high motor. The Lions have a balanced offensive attack, so Hassanein will need to make a three-down impact to give BSU a shot at advancing.

Peach Bowl: Arizona State v. Texas (Wednesday, 1 PM on ESPN)
Cam Skattebo, Running Back, Arizona State: Finding a legit number two back will be important for the Eagles if they want to get the most out of Saquon Barkley for the rest of his time in Philadelphia. Cam Skattebo is an amazing three down back whose size, strength, nimble running style and soft hands make him a dangerous player. He will be the engine of the ASU offense against a tough Texas defense. It will be exciting to see how he does.

Jahdae Barron, Defensive Back, Texas: The Texas D has some great players, but none more interesting for Eagles fans than Jahdae Barron. Barron can play safety and slot defender in a pinch. He is athletic, with great instincts and a fearlessness attacking the line of scrimmage. He will need to be at his best against a dangerous ASU offense.

Rose Bowl: Oregon v. Ohio State (Wednesday, 5 PM on ESPN)
Tez Johnson, Wide Receiver, Oregon: Tez Johnson is a crucial part of the Oregon passing game. He is a reception machine and a playmaker after the catch, as evidenced by his 78 catches this year for ten scores. In Oregon’s last contest with the Buckeyes, Johnson caught seven passes and scored once so it’s likely he is a major factor again. Johnson is small for an NFL prospect, weighing somewhere between 160 and 170 pounds. In the Eagles passing game, he could be a very high quality WR3 next to AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.

Donovan Jackson, Offensive Lineman, Oregon: Donovan Jackson might be the most important piece of the Ohio State offense this season. Jackson has played all over the line for the Buckeyes due to injuries, thriving wherever he lined up. He is a good tackle and a great guard prospect. Oregon’s defensive line is no joke, so Jackson will need a stellar game to keep Ohio State’s offense moving.

Sugar Bowl: Georgia v. Notre Dame (Thursday)
Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia: The chances the Eagles draft another Bulldog this draft are… high. UGA has some really good prospects on both sides of the ball, but few more intriguing than Jalon Walker. Walker is a hybrid defender who can play off-ball and drop down onto the line to rush the passer. Someone who could thrive in Vic Fangio’s defense. He will be challenged against a Notre Dame offense that runs the ball better than most teams in the country.

Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame: Xavier Watts has been a great playmaker for the Fighting Irish over the last two years. He is a hard hitter and a ballhawk, both of which will be important against Georgia. The Bulldogs are rolling out a young, inexperienced quarterback and Watts could capitalize on this with some big plays.