Alabama vs Indiana CFP: Top NFL Draft Prospects to Watch

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Alabama vs Indiana CFP: Top NFL Draft Prospects to Watch

The Alabama vs. Indiana College Football Playoff matchup features a strong mix of top-end NFL talent and high-floor developmental prospects. The game places several draft-eligible players in a clean evaluation setting against elite competition, giving scouts a valuable look at how traits translate under pressure. Below is a full breakdown of the top prospects expected to shape the Alabama vs. Indiana playoff game.

Best NFL Draft Prospects From Alabama vs. Indiana

Fernando Mendoza – QB, Indiana

Measurables: ~6’5”, 225 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 1 (possible No. 1 overall)

Scouting report:
Mendoza is a classic NFL pocket quarterback with elite arm strength and touch. He throws with velocity to all levels and shows consistent timing on intermediate routes. He processes quickly, stays calm under pressure, and rarely panics when the pocket collapses. His ball placement is advanced, particularly on deep outs and seam throws.

Strengths

  • High-end arm talent
  • Advanced pocket awareness
  • Strong pre-snap recognition
  • Leadership and composure in high-leverage situations

Weaknesses

  • Limited rushing value
  • Occasionally trusts his arm too much into tight windows

Kadyn Proctor – OT, Alabama

Measurables: 6’7”, 360 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Late Round 1 to Round 2

Scouting report:
A massive left tackle with overwhelming power. Proctor can erase defenders in the run game and anchor well against bull rushes. When his footwork is clean, he’s extremely hard to beat. Alabama trusts him in space and on screens, and have even used him as a back in goal line packages, which speaks to his athletic ceiling.

Strengths

  • Rare size and strength
  • Strong anchor vs. power
  • Heavy hands at contact
  • Improving pass protection late in season

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent foot speed vs. pure edge speed
  • Balance issues when overextending

Carter Smith – OL, Indiana

Measurables: 6’5”, 315 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 2–3

Scouting report:
Smith is a technician with excellent hand placement and footwork. He’s more refined than explosive and profiles as a high-floor interior lineman at the next level. Rarely beaten cleanly and consistently sound in pass protection.

Strengths

  • Technical consistency
  • Strong balance and leverage
  • Reliable pass protector
  • High football IQ

Weaknesses

  • Average length
  • Limited power upside
  • Likely interior move in NFL

D’Angelo Ponds – CB, Indiana

Measurables: 5’9”, 172 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 2

Scouting report:
An undersized corner who plays with aggression and confidence. Ponds mirrors well in man coverage and attacks the ball at the catch point. His competitiveness stands out immediately on film.

Strengths

  • Quick feet and hips
  • Fearless coverage mentality
  • Strong timing at the catch point
  • Willing tackler

Weaknesses

  • Size mismatch vs. big receivers
  • Limited margin for error

Amare Ferrell – S, Indiana

Measurables: ~6’2”, 200 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 2–3

Scouting report:
A rangy safety with smooth movement skills and good spatial awareness. Comfortable playing deep or rotating into coverage. More coverage-oriented than physical enforcer.

Strengths

  • Coverage range
  • Fluid hips
  • Good route recognition
  • Versatile alignment

Weaknesses

  • Needs added strength
  • Average takeaway production
  • Can get caught in traffic

Louis Moore – S, Indiana

Measurables: 5’11”, 200 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 3

Scouting report:
Experienced ball-hawking safety with strong instincts. Reads quarterbacks well and positions himself effectively in zone coverage. Brings maturity and reliability to the backend.

Strengths

  • Ball skills
  • Instinctive play
  • Reliable tackler
  • Leadership presence

Weaknesses

  • Older prospect
  • Average top-end athleticism
  • Limited positional flexibility

Keon Sabb – S, Alabama

Measurables: 6’1”, 195 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 3

Scouting report:
Athletic safety with versatility to play deep, in the slot, or in split looks. Moves well and has the tools NFL coaches like to develop.

Strengths

  • Athletic profile
  • Coverage versatility
  • Good range
  • Size-speed combo

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent tackling angles
  • Still refining instincts
  • Limited elite production

Deontae Lawson – LB, Alabama

Measurables: 6’2”, 230 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 3

Scouting report:
A modern linebacker built for coverage and pursuit. Lawson plays fast and diagnoses plays quickly but lacks elite power inside.

Strengths

  • Sideline-to-sideline speed
  • Coverage ability
  • Football intelligence
  • Reliable tackling in space

Weaknesses

  • Limited strength vs. blocks
  • Not a dominant run plugger
  • Average playmaking totals

LT Overton – DL, Alabama

Measurables: 6’3”, 275 lbs
Projected Draft Range: Round 3

Scouting report:
Versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple alignments. Wins with power and effort rather than pure burst.

Strengths

  • Strong bull rush
  • Positional versatility
  • High motor
  • Interior disruption

Weaknesses

  • Limited bend off the edge
  • Needs pass-rush refinement