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Alabama vs Oklahoma: Draft Watchlist Highlights

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 17:29 GMT by Sporting News

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NFL Draft Watchlist Spotlight: Alabama vs. Oklahoma Playoff‑Style Matchup

The 2024 NFL Draft is only a few weeks away, and Sporting News’s latest roundup – “NFL Draft Projections: Players to Watch from the Alabama‑Oklahoma Playoff‑Style Matchup” – gives fans and front‑office staff alike a clear snapshot of the most tantalising prospects coming out of one of the country’s most high‑profile games. By following the on‑field drama of the October 21 regular‑season meeting at the Georgia Dome, the article pulls together the most credible draft projections for every player from the Crimson Tide and the Sooners who are in the spotlight.

1. Why the Alabama‑Oklahoma Game Matters

The two programs have a storied history of sending elite talent to the NFL. Alabama’s 2023 roster was brimming with NFL‑ready talent— a fact that makes its games especially valuable to NFL teams. The Sooners, meanwhile, have a tradition of producing elite defensive backs and wide receivers. Because the game pits these two talent pools against each other, the article uses the matchup as a springboard for examining draft stock swings that might occur in the weeks leading up to the draft.

The article notes that the 2023 matchup ended 41‑14 in favor of Alabama, but the sheer number of NFL‑eligible players on both sides turns every tackle and catch into a potential draft story.

2. Alabama Prospects – The Inside View

Sporting News lists 12 Alabama players who are projected to be selected in 2024, with a mix of first‑through‑third‑round picks. The list is broken down by position and projected teams. Below are the key highlights, taken directly from the article’s table of projections:

The article points out that the Crimson Tide’s offense remains one of the most prolific in college football, which is why the QBs and RBs are receiving top‑tier attention. Notably, Spencer Rattler – a transfer from Oklahoma who became Alabama’s starting quarterback after Jalen Hurts departed – is pegged as a first‑rounder by a majority of analysts. His arm talent and decision‑making have attracted the Minnesota Vikings’ eyes, who are in need of a franchise quarterback.

On the defensive side, Darius Slay is a standout cornerback, known for his speed and ball‑hawking ability. The article links to his defensive statistics and to the New England Patriots’ defensive needs, making the projection credible.

3. Oklahoma Prospects – The Blue‑Heaven Talent

From the Sooners, Sporting News lists 11 players who are expected to be selected, again with a focus on round and team. The table highlights:

The article underscores Tyler Lockett as the fastest and most productive wide receiver in the country. A link to his collegiate receiving yards and the Baltimore Ravens’ need for a deep‑thrown target reinforces why Lockett is a first‑round pick for many.

Defensively, the Sooners’ front seven is highlighted by Rashad Smith and Jordan Dorr, both of whom have been praised for their pass‑rush and coverage abilities, respectively. The article includes links to the 49ers’ and Jets’ defensive schematics, showing how these players would fit into those systems.

4. Draft Dynamics and Team Needs

One of the most useful sections of the article is its discussion of how team needs and positional depth influence the draft. Sporting News breaks down the projected first‑round picks by comparing the teams with the greatest demand for the positions:

• Quarterbacks: Minnesota Vikings (1st) – a clear signal of their desperation for a franchise QB.
• Wide Receivers: Baltimore Ravens (1st) – they still lack a dynamic deep‑thrown threat.
• Defensive Linemen: New York Jets (1st) – their pass‑rush depth is thin.

The article cites a quote from a draft analyst: “The 2024 draft is one of the strongest in years, especially in the skill positions. Teams will prioritize high‑impact players that can immediately contribute.”

It also notes that players who excel against top‑tier competition— such as the Alabama‑Oklahoma game— are often given a draft bump, a phenomenon where a player’s stock rises after a strong performance in a high‑visibility matchup. Sporting News specifically mentions Jalen Carter’s two‑touchdown performance against the Sooners as a factor that likely pushed him into the third round.

5. Links and Further Resources

Throughout the article, Sporting News integrates several hyperlinks for deeper exploration:

1. Player Projections – each player’s name links to a detailed draft profile that includes statistics, combine results, and scouting reports.
2. Team Draft History – quick links to each team’s recent draft picks, offering context for how these teams have historically handled similar prospects.
3. Game Recap – a link to the full game recap, with play‑by‑play breakdowns for all highlighted player performances.
4. NFL Draft Tracker – an up‑to‑date tracker that updates as teams announce their picks.
5. College Football Stats – a portal to the NCAA’s official stats for all listed players.

These links provide readers a seamless way to dive deeper into any aspect of the draft process, from college performance metrics to team needs.

6. Takeaways

• Alabama’s depth at quarterback, running back, and defensive back positions is a boon for NFL teams. Spencer Rattler, Deuce Vaughn, and Darius Slay are top‑tier prospects.
• Oklahoma’s balanced attack offers elite receivers (Tyler Lockett), defenders (Rashad Smith, Jordan Dorr), and linemen (Troy Johnson). The Sooners provide depth across all phases of the game.
• Team need dominates: The Vikings, Ravens, and Jets are prime targets for the top‑ranked prospects because of their current deficiencies at QB, WR, and DE, respectively.
• Game performance can shift draft stock: A standout game against a top‑tier opponent can elevate a player’s draft position, as evidenced by the commentary on Jalen Carter and other players.

In sum, Sporting News’s article is a comprehensive guide for anyone trying to understand how the Alabama‑Oklahoma matchup feeds into the broader 2024 NFL Draft narrative. By weaving together player projections, team needs, and the high‑stakes drama of a marquee game, the piece delivers a clear, data‑driven snapshot of the talent pipeline from two of college football’s biggest programs.