2026 NFL Draft: 20 players to watch during College Football Playoffs on New Year’s Day

With the Detroit Lions eliminated from the 2025-26 playoffs, many fans have turned their attention to the offseason—and for many, that means turning their attention to the NFL Draft. Whether you’re just getting into the process or have been studying this draft class all year, the College Football Playoffs are an excellent opportunity to watch several of this year’s top prospects, while also consuming some entertaining football.

We already previewed 12 prospects to watch during the Miami vs. Ohio State playoff game on New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day gives Lions’ fans another three College Football Playoff games to scout. Here’s a look at Thursday’s schedule of games:

• Oregon vs. Texas Tech at noon, ET
• Alabama vs. Indiana at 4 p.m. ET
• Ole Miss vs. Georgia at 8 p.m. ET

For this NFL prospect preview, we’ll highlight players from all three games at projected positions of need for the Lions.

Fixing the offensive line

Detroit will enter the offseason looking to add talent to its offensive line, and depending on a few potential retirements, the Lions may need to replace multiple starters or secure future starters, both at tackle and on the interior.

Top prospect: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama (6-foot-7, 360)

Proctor possesses tremendous size and athleticism (Alabama ran a screen play to him this season), but he’s being reported as a polarizing prospect because of inconsistencies in his game film. While he looks to have found his groove at the right time, there’s a possibility that he slides in this draft class and could be the exact type of player the Lions need.

Other players to watch:

• Emmanuel Pregon, LG, Oregon (6-foot-4, 320) is one of the top guards in this draft class and could be a plug-and-play option in the second round.
• Carter Smith, LT, Indiana (6-foot-5, 313) is an ascending prospect who looks like a Day 2 prospect who could compete for a starting role early in his career.
• Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia (6-foot-7, 315) like Smith, has starter-level appeal but may need time to develop and could go on Day 2.
• Isaiah World, LT, Oregon (6-foot-5, 321) entered the season with high expectations but has fallen short due to inconsistency in his technique. There are top-level traits there, but he needs development.
• Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama (6-foot-2, 290) is a center-only prospect who looks like he could be a solid Day 3 backup.

Finding an EDGE

How the Lions address the edge position this offseason is going to be highly debated. Will the Lions roll back the scheme they’ve used over the past few seasons? Or are they due for an upgrade that features the pass rush more?

Top prospect: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-foot-3, 250)

Bailey won’t be a fit for every team—which is why he may slide a bit in the first round—but he looks like a Nic Bonito (Broncos pass rusher) clone, with a lethal first-step and the ability to convert...