Dallas fans should monitor these five players in the College National Championship game.
The College Football National Championship game is one of the most anticipated events in sports every year, especially for fans of NFL teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who closely follow college football for potential draft picks. As the top college players take the field, NFL teams are already scouting and evaluating players who could have an immediate impact on their respective rosters. With the Dallas Cowboys’ continued pursuit of roster improvement, especially on both sides of the ball, the National Championship game provides a crucial opportunity to spot emerging talent.
This year’s matchup promises to feature some of the most exciting prospects, players who could be future stars in the NFL. Dallas, in particular, will want to closely monitor specific positions where the team could use reinforcements, from skill positions like wide receiver and running back to more pressing needs like the defensive line and secondary. Below are five key players to watch in the College Football National Championship game who could help bolster the Cowboys’ roster as they look to enhance their title-contending team.
1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Georgia
Jalen Carter, a powerhouse on the defensive line for the Georgia Bulldogs, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in college football this season. A rare blend of size, speed, and skill, Carter is a physical presence who can impact both the run and pass game. With the Cowboys’ defensive line needing a bit of an infusion of talent to complement standout players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, Carter could be a perfect addition to the roster.
Why He’s a Fit for the Cowboys:
Carter’s ability to disrupt the pocket, collapse the pocket, and even sack the quarterback makes him an intriguing prospect for Dallas. The Cowboys have invested in their defensive line over the years, but they’ve lacked a true interior disruptor who can create chaos in the trenches. Carter has been a game-changer in that regard, and his size and motor allow him to control the line of scrimmage. Dallas will need to assess his ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially when it comes to taking on double teams and pushing the pocket from the inside.
As a player capable of both plugging gaps and getting after the quarterback, Carter would bring versatility to the Cowboys’ defense. If Dallas adds a player like him, it would free up Parsons and Lawrence to make more plays on the edge, giving the defense even more firepower.
2. Bryce Young – Quarterback, Alabama
Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and star quarterback for Alabama, has long been considered one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. With uncanny poise in the pocket, pinpoint accuracy, and the ability to read defenses, Young has proven himself to be an elite-level quarterback, leading Alabama to numerous big victories. Although the Cowboys are locked in with Dak Prescott as their starter, the presence of a future franchise quarterback in a game like this could be essential for depth and the long-term planning of the team.
Why He’s a Fit for the Cowboys:
While Dak Prescott is firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starter, the team needs to continuously evaluate the quarterback position, especially in case of injury or future development. Bryce Young’s skill set would complement the type of high-powered offense the Cowboys run under Prescott. If for some reason Prescott’s career takes an unexpected downturn, or the Cowboys want to build for the future, Young offers a potential replacement who has already demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure.
Young’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and adapt to different game situations would provide the Cowboys with a solid backup plan. His skills as a playmaker would also give the Cowboys the opportunity to think about more long-term planning at the position.
3. Will Anderson Jr. – Edge Rusher, Alabama
Will Anderson Jr. is widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in college football and has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines throughout his career at Alabama. His ability to consistently generate pressure, sack the quarterback, and create disruptions in the backfield is something that the Dallas Cowboys could really use on their defense. The Cowboys have invested heavily in their defense, but the addition of a player like Anderson would significantly boost their pass-rushing attack.
Why He’s a Fit for the Cowboys:
Dallas’ defense has been explosive, led by the dynamic play of Micah Parsons. However, Anderson would complement Parsons’ pass-rushing abilities and provide the Cowboys with an even stronger edge rusher. While the team already has a talented defensive front, Anderson would provide the Cowboys with another elite pass rusher to pair with Parsons, giving the team an incredibly fearsome front seven.
Anderson’s ability to pressure the quarterback from the edge and his knack for finishing plays would make him an immediate asset for Dallas, whether in a starting role or a rotational capacity to keep fresh legs on the field. His performance in the National Championship game will likely dictate where he goes in the draft, and Dallas fans should keep a close eye on his ability to dominate high-pressure moments.
4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a standout wide receiver at Ohio State, known for his exceptional route running, soft hands, and ability to separate from defenders. The Cowboys are loaded at wide receiver with CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks, but Smith-Njigba could give the team an additional weapon and depth that could help take their passing attack to new heights. With Dak Prescott’s ability to spread the ball around to multiple targets, adding a player of Smith-Njigba’s caliber could make the Cowboys’ offense even more difficult to defend.
Why He’s a Fit for the Cowboys:
Dallas may not have an immediate need at wide receiver, but the possibility of adding a player like Smith-Njigba to complement Lamb could elevate the offense in the long run. His technical ability and precise route running make him a top-tier receiver capable of immediately stepping into an NFL offense and contributing. His skill set would help create mismatches against opposing defenses, and his versatility allows him to play in both the slot and outside positions.
Smith-Njigba’s experience in big games, combined with his ability to make big plays in crucial moments, could bring another layer of reliability to the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. Given the importance of finding playmakers in the draft, Smith-Njigba should be on Dallas’ radar as a potential future star.
5. Bijan Robinson – Running Back, Texas
Bijan Robinson, one of the most complete running backs in recent college football history, has the vision, speed, power, and receiving ability to be an all-around threat at the next level. Though the Cowboys already have Tony Pollard as their starting running back, Robinson represents a dynamic playmaker who could elevate the Cowboys’ offensive game even further. His vision and ability to make defenders miss in open space are elite, and his skills as a receiver out of the backfield give him the versatility to be utilized in various ways within an NFL offense.
Why He’s a Fit for the Cowboys:
While Pollard has been a standout player for the Cowboys, Robinson could provide another dynamic weapon in the running game. The Cowboys have been effective when they lean on the run, and Robinson’s presence could allow them to implement an even more diverse playbook. Having a dual-threat back capable of both running between the tackles and catching passes out of the backfield would make the Cowboys’ offense even more unpredictable, forcing defenses to account for both Pollard and Robinson.
Additionally, Robinson’s toughness and ability to gain tough yards in critical situations would be valuable in clutch moments, especially in high-pressure postseason games. Adding him to the backfield would give the Cowboys a dominant rushing duo that could control the tempo of games.
