While the 2026 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in conference championship Recap.
Related: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Conference Championship Week
1. Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State lost a close game to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game for their first loss of the season. Their defense played well, only allowing 13 points to a good offense. Kayden McDonald had a big game, showing up in plenty of moments. He finished the game with five total tackles.
McDonald showed his disruption and it was even better than what showed up in the box score. He has good strength and can shed against run blocking. McDonald can handle multiple blockers as well. While his pass rushing can use some work, he did push the pocket in this game a bit. He is currently projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana stayed undefeated this week by beating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Their defense held Ohio State to just 10 points and the defense played well. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds was a big part of the team’s success in this game and this season. He finished the game with nine total tackles.
While he doesn’t have the size of an NFL corner, Ponds showed his toughness with his nine tackles. He will likely be a slot only player in the NFL, but he can help a defense because of the aggression he plays with despite his size. He gave up some yards in this game, but it was against Jeremiah Smith, who had a big size advantage over him. His ability to mirror receivers is great and will help his stock. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
3. Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama had a tough game against Georgia in teh SEC Championship Game. The defense gave up 28 points and the offense couldn’t get anything going until it was too late. Deontae Lawson had a decent game to help the team, but it wasn’t a big enough impact. He finished the game against Georgia with six total tackles.
Lawson has good athleticism for a linebacker and plays downhill against the run. He can work on shedding more consistently, but has the tools to do so. His coverage can also improve to help his stock. He plays well against the run and sees the field well. Lawson is a projected mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
4. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia avenged their only loss of the season by beating Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. The offense played well, putting up 28 points in the game. Zachariah Branch gave some juice to the offense all year long and in this game. He caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Branch is one of the faster players in college football, which makes him a deep threat and also a menace after the catch. He can get in and out of his breaks quickly to help him separate. Branch is smaller and needs to add to his route tree, but teams will love his explosiveness. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
5. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech won their rematch with BYU, taking both games by a wide margin. Their defense was amazing, as they only allowed seven points and forced BYU to turn the ball over. Rodriguez has been a great leader of the defense this season and had another great game this week. He had 13 total tackles and one tackle for loss.
Rodriguez isn’t the tallest at 6-foot-1, but he has a filled out frame at 235 pounds. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows great pursuit, along with great tackling to help against the run. Rodriguez will need to work on his coverage, but he does use his eyes well while playing zone. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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