Keep an eye on these players!
This weekend, there will be nine conference championships played. The stakes are enormous, with playoff berths and bye weeks on the line for the majority of the teams playing. Of course, with the best of the best on the field, there will be dozens of NFL prospects to watch. Here is a player in each game that could be an Eagles target in the 2025 NFL Draft. (All listed times are Eastern Standard Time.)
C-USA Championship: Friday, 7 PM on CBSSN
Clay Webb, Guard, Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks chances of beating Western Kentucky will depend largely on their ability to move the ball. Clay Webb has been a formidable presence on their offensive line, standing strong at 6’3” and 320 pounds. Another great day for him means a great day for the Jax State offense. For Eagles fans, Webb could be a great late round target for a roster that is always looking to beef up offensive line depth.
Mountain West Championship: Friday, 8 PM on Fox
Jackson Woodard, Linebacker, UNLV: While all the headlines in this game will rightfully be about Ashton Jeanty and Boise State, some love is needed for the men tasked with slowing down the Heisman candidate. Jackson Woodard is a stout, three down linebacker who can come up to make run stops but has the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. He will be integral to UNLV’s chances of an upset.
American Athletic Championship: Friday, 8 PM on ABC
Patrick Jenkins, Defensive Lineman, Tulane: Tulane is a young, talented team but they do have some draft prospects worth keeping an eye on. Patrick Jenkins is a tough, physical presence in the middle of their defensive line. The fifth year senior brings the juice as a pass rusher and run defender. He could be a mid round target for defensive-lineman hungry teams.
MAC Championship: Saturday, 12 PM on ESPN
Brian Ugwu, Edge Defender, Miami (Ohio): While this contest between Ohio and Miami (Ohio) isn’t loaded with NFL talent, Brian Ugwu is an intriguing player worth keeping an eye on. Despite being undersized, Ugwu has great get-off and a high motor that allows him to put up numbers as a pass rusher.
Big 12 Championship: Saturday, 12 PM on ABC
Darien Porter, Cornerback, Iowa State: Darien Porter has broken out in his fifth year with the Cyclones. The 6’3”, 200 pound cornerback has speed and length that NFL teams covet, with the ball skills to match. Iowa State will need to slow down a potent Arizona State offense and Porter’s play will be a determining factor in accomplishing that.
SEC Championship: Saturday, 4 PM on ABC
Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia: The showdown between Texas and Georgia will feature a ton of NFL talent, but none piques my interest as an Eagles fan more than Jalon Walker. Walker plays a ton of football off-ball in the Georgia defense, but he can line up on the edge in a pinch. In fact, he had three sacks against Texas a few weeks ago when he primarily played as a stand-up pass rusher. Walker has unbelievable athleticism and positional flexibility that makes him reminiscent of Micah Parsons. If he can play anything close to the same level he brought to Austin last time, Georgia should win.
Sun Belt Championship: Saturday, 7:30 PM on ESPN
Mike Green, Edge Defender, Marshall: Mike Green. Have you heard of him? Well you should familiarize yourself because the athletic pass rusher is probably going to be a high draft pick this spring. While Green isn’t overly big, he is tremendously athletic with great technique defeating blockers. You don’t get 16 sacks in a season by accident. Keep an eye on Green in this game, because he probably has a few big plays left in him.
Big 10 Championship: Saturday, 8 PM on CBS
Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State: I am in full wish-casting mode that Tyler Warren ends up a Philadelphia Eagle. Dallas Goedert has been dealing with injuries for three years straight now and the Eagles could use some young blood at the tight end position. Warren has been the best player on the Penn State offense for the whole season. He is an athletic pass catcher who is a mismatch to cover and dangerous with the ball in his hand. The Ducks defense will be a great challenge for Penn State and expect the Nittany Lions to run their passing game through Warren to keep them in this game.
ACC Championship: Saturday, 8 PM on ABC
Brashard Smith, Running Back, SMU: Brashard Smith waited his whole college career for this season. After three seasons at Miami where Smith only had 18 carries, the talented running back landed in Dallas where he has carried the ball 193 for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is a fast, agile running back who can turn any touch into a big gain. While the Eagles are happy with their running back group right now, Kenneth Gainwell is going to hit free agency after this season and the Eagles may want a dependable RB2 to take the load of Saquon in 2025. Smith could be a great late round target for the team, especially given that he catches the ball well too.
