The newly expanded College Football Playoffs have begun and it is providing another way to prepare for the 2025 NFL draft.
For teams like the New Orleans Saints, the NFL draft has already become the most exciting thing for the future. Watching these games could give some insight into who the next Saints players will be.
Up second on Saturday is the Clemson Tigers taking on the Texas Longhorns, a matchup full of NFL talent.
The top draft prospect in this matchup would be Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks. Banks is one of the best pass-blocking tackles in the country and is also more than solid in run protection.
Taliese Fuaga has been good at left tackle, but drafting Banks would allow him to move back to the right side where he has proven dominant.
A Day 2 prospect to watch is Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool. It’s clear that New Orleans’ offense needs another weapon at that spot and Briningstool has the tools that modern day tight ends possess.
He is a solid pass catcher that can get by with enough blocking ability. The senior has 1,311 career receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He has a high ceiling that is certainly worth a look in the third round.
Closing things out with a Day 3 prospect, Clemson running back Phil Mafah would be an interesting pair with Alvin Kamara.
With shades of Kamara and Mark Ingram a few years ago, having one shifty back and another power back has come back in style. Mafah has had a breakout campaign after sharing the field with Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley previously.
How to Watch
This game is one of the few college football games that won’t be played on ESPN this postseason. It will be aired on TNT as well as available to be streamed on Sling and Max.