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Alabama vs. Oklahoma: CFP Final That Could Reshape the 2024 NFL Draft

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 19:19 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

Alabama vs. Oklahoma: The 2023 Playoff Showdown That Could Decide the NFL Draft Landscape

The 2023 College Football Playoff (CFP) Final promised to be more than a championship‑level face‑off; it was a draft‑year showcase that could shape the 2024 NFL Draft class for years to come. The matchup between Alabama Crimson Tide and Oklahoma Sooners pitted two of the nation’s most talent‑laden rosters against each other, and NFL teams had already lined up watch lists, mock drafts, and pre‑combine evaluations that set the stage for the most scrutinized positions in the draft: wide receivers, defensive backs, defensive tackles, and offensive linemen.

The Draft‑Ready Talent on Both Sides

The table above captures just a handful of the 50+ players on the two rosters who were under the NFL microscope. Each of them has already posted impressive statistics and combine numbers, and the playoff game offers a final chance for scouts to see them compete under maximum pressure.

Alabama: A Talent Factory at the Top of the Draft

Wide Receivers
Alabama’s offense has long been the breeding ground for the next generation of NFL wide receivers. Jameson Williams, who finished the season with 1,500+ yards and 12 touchdowns, is slated to go in the first round, potentially even the second. He was the focus of a long‑running “Project 2024” analysis that follows his pre‑draft workouts, his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, and his 2023 senior year highlights. His speed and route‑running ability make him a top pick for teams that prioritize a fast, athletic receiving corps.

Jordan Addison provides a complementary skill set as a “route‑running” receiver with a knack for stretching the field. While he may slip into the second round, his performance against Oklahoma’s secondary will be a key moment for draft‑board validators.

Defensive Line
On the defensive front, Jalen Carter has earned top‑tier coverage in most mock drafts. He posted 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in his senior season, and his 4.6‑second 40‑meter time at the NFL Combine positions him as a possible first‑round pick. Scouts are particularly interested in his ability to control the line of scrimmage and his edge‑setting technique.

Tyler Matson—the center‑tackle hybrid—has shown elite pass‑blocking skills that can transition to the NFL. He’s projected as a mid‑first or late‑second round pick and is a coveted addition to teams seeking a solid offensive line core.

Defense Backfield
John Ross is the standout in Alabama’s secondary. He led the SEC with 4 forced fumbles, demonstrating a knack for play‑making. His 100‑meter 3‑cone drill and 5‑yard change‑of‑direction times at the NFL Scouting Combine keep him a “must‑watch” in the first round.

Oklahoma: Upside on the Horizon

Wide Receiver / Running Back
Rashaad Penny is one of the most intriguing prospects of the draft. While he was listed as a running back on the roster, his 2023 campaign showcased 1,300+ rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, and a respectable 5.6 yards per carry. Several teams have expressed interest in using him as a “dual‑role” option, and his first‑round potential has surged. The Oklahoma coaching staff’s decision to continue using him in a hybrid role makes him a compelling story heading into the draft.

Will McDonald has shown the speed and playmaking ability that make him a valuable second‑round pick. He’ll be a key player to watch against Alabama’s tough defense, particularly because his route‑running has improved significantly in the final season.

Defensive Line
Josh Allen, the name that’s causing confusion for the media (not the quarterback), has an impressive 10 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and a strong pass‑rushing presence. He is projected to go in the first round, with teams such as the Steelers, Raiders, and Packers lining up as potential suitors.

Cameron Williams is a less heralded but solid defensive tackle. He posted 15 tackles for loss and 9 sacks and has the ideal build for a pass‑rushing interior lineman. A second‑round pick is likely for him, though teams on a “tackle‑first” draft philosophy could push him higher.

Linebacker
T.J. Yates is one of the biggest names on the defensive side, with a 100‑meter 3‑cone time that’s on par with first‑round linebackers. His 110 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and a strong defensive IQ make him a top pick candidate, and his potential as a hybrid inside linebacker could lead to a 2024 first‑round selection.

How the Playoff Game Influences Draft Perceptions

The CFP Final is the highest‑profile showcase available to NFL teams, and the game offers several unique opportunities:

1. Performance Under Pressure – The mental toughness of a player, as displayed in a national title game, is often a predictor of pro‑level success.
2. Comparative Analysis – Teams can directly compare their prospects against each other, such as two defensive tackles or two wide receivers, making it easier to benchmark relative value.
3. Fit for a System – Some prospects are only good in specific schemes. Watching how they operate under their college coaches’ pressure‑handling schemes can translate into predictions about how they might fit in an NFL system.
4. Physical Resilience – How a player withstands the physicality of a high‑intensity game can hint at durability concerns or strengths.

For example, if Jameson Williams can produce a 4‑to‑5 catch haul against Oklahoma’s elite secondary, it could propel him higher on draft boards. If Jalen Carter consistently pushes off the offensive line and records double‑digit tackles for loss, he will cement his status as a first‑round candidate.

Beyond the Game: Additional Resources and Context

To fully grasp the draft implications, NFL analysts and scouts often consult multiple data points beyond the game footage:

• NFL Scouting Combine Results – Detailed speed, agility, and strength metrics.
  • Jalen Carter’s 40‑meter time, John Ross’s 100‑meter 3‑cone, and Josh Allen’s bench press reps are all part of this data set.
• Pro Football Focus (PFF) Grades – Quantitative metrics that assess player performance at the collegiate level.
  • Jalen Carter received a 92 defensive grade last season, putting him in the top 5% of defensive linemen.
• ESPN Draft Tools – In‑depth player profiles that include mock draft placements, analyst commentary, and combine summaries.
  • The ESPN Draft Tools page for Rashaad Penny shows a 1st‑round projection due to his versatility.
• Team Depth Charts – Analyzing how many players are ahead of a prospect on an NFL roster gives context to their potential draft position.
  • The Dallas Cowboys already have three top‑10 offensive linemen, so a prospect like Tyler Matson might be pushed to the mid‑first round.

These resources help teams make informed decisions in a highly competitive environment where every draft pick can mean the difference between a championship and a losing season.

Looking Ahead

The Alabama vs. Oklahoma CFP Final is a pivotal event that will shape the trajectory of the 2024 NFL Draft. While the game itself may offer only a few minutes of real‑time footage for each player, the aggregated data from college season statistics, combine metrics, mock drafts, and analyst reports converge to create a complete picture. For the players who perform at their best, the game can accelerate their draft stock; for those who falter, it can raise red flags.

Ultimately, NFL teams will return to the game in the weeks that follow, analyzing footage, comparing player metrics, and refining their draft boards. The high‑profile nature of the CFP Final ensures that every highlight, catch, tackle, and pass will be dissected in the lead-up to the draft, turning the national championship into a springboard for a new generation of NFL talent.