Top Ten NFL Draft Prospects in the Discover BCS Championship Game

Discover BCS National Championship

The Discover BCS Championship Game is going to be an epic showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both of these teams have captured the hearts and attention of college football fans everywhere. Their programs are legendary and the hype and tradition surrounding them makes this what is almost certainly going to be the most watched BCS championship game of all time.

But another reason that college football fans are going to tune in is because both of these rosters are thick with prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft. Even if you don’t root for Alabama or Notre Dame, you will watch because you are most likely an NFL fan, and someone on one of these 2 teams might be a player you want to target for your team.

So, what I’m going to do is break down the top 10 draft eligible prospects that will be on the field tonight. That’s not to say all 10 of these young men will be declaring for the 2013 NFL draft, but all of them will be eligible to do so. What that means for those that don’t follow the draft closely is any player that is 3 years removed from his high school graduating class can apply for entry into the draft. Basically that means anyone from a redshirt sophomore on up can apply and be drat eligible. They would hire an agent at that point they cross the point of no return for draft prospects. There’s no turning back. But for these young men it's not an issue; these are all top tier players with bright NFL futures ahead of them.

Let’s take a closer look at the top ten NFL draft prospects in the Discover BCS Championship game. And come follow me on Twitter @nfldraftboard for all things football related.

10-DeMarcus Milliner, CB Alabama

There was a point when Milliner was considered a top 10 draft pick. While I think he’s slipped from there, his physical play and cover skills will still keep him in the first round in 2013, and this is an excellent stage for him to showcase his ball skills and big play ability with the world watching. In a game where one big play could make all the difference, it might be Milliner that makes it.

9-Tyler Eifert, TE Notre Dame

I am not sure why Eifert doesn’t get more credit for what he does, but as the best receiving option on the team, and facing constant bracket coverage and double teams all he does is make catch after catch. He’s the top TE in this draft and should be selected near the end of the first round.

8-Barrett Jones, C/OG Alabama

Jones is the Swiss Army knife of the Alabama offensive line, having started and played well at multiple positions. He’s a little dinged up for this game, so I don’t expect his best, but for his career he’s been a simply fabulous player. In terms of draft stock, he's a late first round, early second round pick.

7-CJ Mosley, LB Alabama

I think most thought Mosley would declare this year, but he has already said he’s returning next season. He’s one of the most dynamic and NFL ready inside linebackers in the country and can only improve his draft stock with another big season next year.

6-Eddie Lacy, RB Alabama

For parts of this season Lacy was overshadowed by his teammate running back TJ Yeldon, but make no mistake, Lacy can tote the rock. He’s got excellent vision, makes good decisions with the football and runs with an NFL level of power and speed. Lacy can get downhill in a hurry and can wear down a defense.

5-Louis Nix III, DT Notre Dame

LNIII as I like to call Nix is a massive nose tackle prospect who is probably as big a reason linebacker Manti Te’o had so much success as anyone on the roster. He’s already said he’s returning to school, but when he does come out, he’s going to be in great demand because of the power and leverage he plays with. Another first round prospect.

4-Adrian Hubbard, LB Alabama

Hubbard doesn’t get much draft talk because he’s only a redshirt sophomore, but he’s a really talented player. He’s got an explosive first step as 3-4 rush outside linebacker, and I can certainly see him coming out if the Crimson Tide win. He’d be in the mix to go late first round and with a strong off-season he might even do a little bitter than that.

3-Jesse Williams, DT Alabama

Williams is a bit of an odd duck, but when it comes to the trenches he’s going to make the Notre Dame offensive line work all night. He’s enormous and quicker than his body would lead you to believe. He’s uses his hands well, and can shed blockers and get after the football. But his game is about power and he has plenty. It will be double teams all night to keep him contained.

2-Manti Te'o, LB Notre Dame

If you haven’t heard of Te’o at this point, I’m not sure what to tell you. He’s one of the most decorated defensive players in college football history and a born leader. In terms of draft stock, he’s an incredibly productive player and a very safe, albeit not a flashy pick. He’s a great coverage linebacker and exceptional tackler while not being overly athletic.

1-Chance Warmack, OG Alabama

I put Warmack as my top prospect on this list because he really is that good. He’s the highest rated guard I’ve scouted in ten years and just seemed to improve every week. He is a mauling run blocker and does a very good job on pass plays picking up stunts and blitzes; creating a wall that defenses simply cannot pass.