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We’re hours away from the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers, and as luck would have it, the game will be played in the New Orleans Saints’ home stadium — the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

That presents a great opportunity for Saints shot-callers like coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, and scouting director Jeff Ireland to see some of the 2020 NFL Draft’s best prospects perform live in such a high-pressure situation. That doesn’t mean the Saints will draft anyone who plays in this game; but it does give these soon-to-be rookies a shot at making a memorable first impression.

Here are four matchups we’ll be watching closely:

When LSU has the ball

WR Justin Jefferson vs. CB A.J. Terrell

Jefferson went off against Oklahoma in the semifinals, posting 227 yards and catching four touchdown passes, but he’ll face a serious challenge in Terrell. According to Pro Football Focus charting, Terrell hasn’t allowed more than 60 yards in a game all season, and has surrendered just 14 completed passes into his coverage. That’s a natural collision point where both teams will be trying to compete with strength versus strength.

Either of these players would be huge additions for the Saints, but Jefferson’s success in a similar scheme has to be enticing. He excels at finding the open spaces within zone coverage, just like past Saints success stories like Marques Colston and Willie Snead once did. But Jefferson has better size and agility, and more upside, than any of those other potential predecessors.

TE Thaddeus Moss vs. LB/S Isaiah Simmons

Moss is an enthusiastic blocker and a fearless pass-catcher, even if he’s been more of an afterthought in the passing game than a featured piece (his 42 receptions rank fifth-most). Jared Cook is entering the final season of his two-year Saints contract, and the Saints struggled to adjust when blocking tight end Josh Hill missed time with a concussion. It’s easy to see Moss taking a year to learn the ropes as the third tight end before the Saints unleash him the next season, though he still has a year of college eligibility left as a redshirt junior.

Simmons would give the Saints rare versatility in the back seven, especially if paired with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. PFF graded him well at every position he played (which ranged from weakside linebacker to strong and free safety), so it’s easy to see the Saints disguising their coverage by trotting out Simmons alongside the equally-versatile Gardner-Johnson. However, with multiple starting linebackers returning from injuries (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso), it might be easier to slot Simmons in as a day-one starter at the second level.

When Clemson has the ball

WR Tee Higgins vs. CB Kristian Fulton

Higgins has steadily improved at the college level from one year to the next, and now he’s seen as one of the best route runners in the country. He’s also one of the best at catching the ball when it’s sent his way, even when covered tightly by opposing defensive backs. Fulton will challenge him more than anyone else he’s faced, however, as there are few cornerbacks better in press coverage. But Higgins doesn’t need much space to break a tackle and take off at a sprint after the catch.

Just like with the matchup between Jefferson and Terrell, the Saints are short-handed at both wide receiver and cornerback going into 2020. Michael Thomas turned in a one-man show in the passing game and could benefit from some real help. The only cornerbacks the Saints have under contract next season are Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson.

RB Travis Etienne vs. S Grant Delpit

Delpit has a great reputation as one of the country’s best safeties — as seen by him winning the Jim Thorpe Award — and there aren’t many players who can run with him in pass coverage. But there’s a serious flaw in his game as a tackler, with PFF crediting him a sky-high 27% whiff rate on tackle attempts. Etienne will punish him and the rest of the LSU defense should Delpit slip and miss when he has a chance to bring the runner down; Etienne led FBS in both yards gained after contact per attempt (5.2) and tackles broken per attempt (.45).

Every team can use more defensive backs, but the Saints secondary is in a tough spot with starting strong safety Vonn Bell headed for free agency. Delpit could be a good replacement if he’s available at their draft slot. Also, Alvin Kamara has just one year left on his contract, and he turned in a disappointing performance last season. Etienne looks like a natural fit should the Saints plan to move on.

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