Ready for the Draft Podcast

After battling being sick since the holidays, I'm finally back to preview the CFP National Championship and talk about which draft-eligible prospects will make an impact. When Ohio State has the ball, RBs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins could be the difference with their physicality between the tackles and their ability to make an impact in the passing game. While Jeremiah Smith looks like a future top-5 pick, keep an eye on Emeka Egbuka to do damage from the slot, attacking the middle of the field and outside the numbers putting on a show with his route running prowess. Donovan Jackson may be a OG at the next level, but his move to OT shows off his athleticism and he's primed to be a Day 2 pick. He'll be matched up against RJ Oben who should finally be healthy and could be a problem off the edge while DT Howard Cross III has to show he's gained the step he lost from his injury to provide disruption along the interior. Xavier Watts is a problem over the top with his ball skills and instincts as a former WR to read what is unfolding and drive quickly on the football. He came back to South Bend to work on his tackling and Watts is finally a complete safety. Will Howard must take care of the football against this disciplined defense. He also needs to know where Jack Kiser is on the field as he can present problems in throwing lanes and as a blitzer. When the Irish have the football, Riley Leonard will be a factor on the ground. Despite his build (6'4", 212lbs), Leonard is a tremendous runner with deceptive speed. He and his trio of RBs will try to keep the potent OSU offense off the field. Leonard should also key on TE Mitchell Evans who has proven to be a weapon up the seam, over the middle and down the sideline on back shoulder throws. For the Buckeyes defensively, expect JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer to collapse the pocket off the edge against OTs Tosh Baker and Aamil Wagner while DT Tyleik Williams may be the X factor up front as he's both stout against the run and shows surprising agility on stunts rushing the passer. Expect LBs Cody Simon and Sonny Styles to be spying Leonard while Lathan Ransom will be looking to come down and play the run from depth. That could open for shots down the field behind them, meaning Davidson Igbinosun needs to keep his hands to himself and allow his technique to take over. The difference could very well be Caleb Downs, who is a sure-fire lock as a top-10 pick in next year's draft.