Darnell Washington, Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
These are the best NFL Draft prospects playing in the national championship on Monday night between Georgia and TCU.
Your favorite NFL team’s next star player might be playing for a national title on Monday night, as the Georgia Bulldogs take on the TCU Horned Frogs at SoFi Stadium.
It is no surprise that the defending national champions are back in the title bout. Georgia has recruited at a phenomenally high level ever since Kirby Smart took over at his alma mater. It was only a matter of time before he got this thing humming in Athens. As for Sonny Dykes’ TCU team, this is not just a scrappy bunch, as the Horned Frogs are dripping with talent ahead of the big day.
With only one game left to be played, these are the five best NFL Draft prospects playing in it.
Georgia defensive end Nolan Smith is a first-round talent, but is unable to play in this title bout after tearing his pectoral muscle down the home stretch for the Dawgs. He will be on the sidelines cheering on his team, as Georgia will look to repeat as national champions on Monday evening.
NFL mock draft: Top prospects playing in national title between Georgia and TCU
5
Darnell Washington
TE Georgia Bulldogs
Darnell Washington is a mountain of a man over at tight end for the Bulldogs
Georgia has two elite tight ends, but only one is draft-eligible. That would be the mountain of a man that is 6-foot-7 Darnell Washington. Although he is banged up heading into this national title bout, good luck trying to tell him that he cannot play in what will probably be the final game of his college career. Although he is not a top-32 pick, Washington will likely be a high second-rounder.
His combination of size, speed and physicality cannot be taught. Whether he is more of a blocking tight end at the next level, or potentially even an offensive tackle, remains to be seen. However, the allure of what he can do as the ultimate mismatch in the red zone, as well as thriving from a blocking perspective in the running game cannot be overlooked. This is why he has to turn pro.
It would be shocking if Washington is not selected in the top half of the second round on day two.