The nine conference championship games scheduled for this weekend promise plenty of NFL Draft intrigue. While blue-chip prospects like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and quarterbacks Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Arch Manning headline the action, scouts are equally focused on identifying potential Day 2 and Day 3 gems. Let’s dive deeper and spotlight five prospects poised to raise their draft stock under the bright lights.
Jackson Woodard | OLB, UNLV (6-3, 230)
Friday night’s Mountain West Championship Game between UNLV and Boise State (8 p.m. ET, Fox) will have eyes on Boise State’s star RB Ashton Jeanty, but UNLV linebacker Jackson Woodard is a player to watch. The reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year has had a breakout season, tallying 114 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four interceptions.
A former Arkansas Razorback, Woodard transferred to UNLV and flourished under defensive coordinator Barry Odom. He displays exceptional instincts, agility, and tackling precision, making him a draft-worthy player with significant upside. A strong performance in this rematch could propel him further up draft boards.
Darian Porter | CB, Iowa State (6-4, 200)
Darian Porter’s journey from wide receiver and special teams contributor to standout cornerback is the kind of development scouts love. This season, the 6-4 corner has thrived in press coverage, using his length and speed to smother opposing receivers. He’s allowed just three first downs and no touchdowns all season, according to Pro Football Focus.
As Iowa State takes on Arizona State’s high-octane offense on Saturday (noon ET), Porter’s ability to shut down young QB Sam Leavitt’s weapons will be under scrutiny. With an invite to the Senior Bowl already secured, Porter’s draft stock is rising rapidly.
Cameron Williams | OT, Texas (6-5, 335)
Despite entering the 2024 season with just one career start, Cameron Williams has become a dominant force on Texas’ offensive line. The massive tackle has allowed just three sacks in 449 pass plays, showcasing impressive lateral quickness and balance for his size.
Facing Georgia’s elite pass rush on Saturday (4 p.m. ET), Williams has a chance to solidify his status as a top-50 draft prospect—or perhaps even sneak into the first round. Scouts are intrigued by his physical tools and potential for further growth.
Drew Allar | QB, Penn State (6-5, 235)
In a quarterback class lacking depth, Drew Allar stands out as a high-upside prospect. Known for his prototypical build and strong arm, Allar has improved his completion percentage to 71.6% this season while maintaining an impressive 47-7 career touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Penn State faces a tough test against top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten Championship (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET). If Allar delivers under pressure, he could solidify himself as a coveted option for quarterback-needy NFL teams.
Elijah Roberts | DL, SMU (6-4, 295)
Elijah Roberts has been a revelation since transferring from Miami to SMU, recording 21 tackles for loss and 14 sacks over two seasons. This year, he’s added versatility to his game, excelling as a disruptive force along the defensive line.
In Saturday’s ACC Championship Game against Clemson (8 p.m. ET), Roberts has a chance to showcase his blend of power, explosiveness, and technique against a quality opponent. A standout performance could push him into the conversation for a top-100 selection.