2023 NFL Draft: College Game Recaps - National Championship Game

This section breaks down many college football games each week and highlights how 2023 NFL Draft Prospects have performed.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

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Georgia 65, TCU 7

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Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter is one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and Carter flashed special ability against Ohio State in the early going, but Carter got fatigued midway through the game and had to be rotated out a fair amount. Versus TCU, Carter once again flashed early but this time he did not play as much because of the Bulldogs offensive domination.

On the first drive Carter ran to the sideline to help get a tackle on a wide receiver screen. Later in the first quarter TCU ran at Carter to get a nice gain and that set up a short touchdown run from Duggan. Carter bounced back to get the better of a double team rolling both blockers into Duggan to set up a sack for teammate Bear Alexander. The next play Carter got a pressure that helped produce an interception. Overall, this tape will help Carter to be one of the first players drafted next April.

For the NFL, Carter is a fast and athletic interior lineman with strength to shed blocks. He could be a versatile tackle with the power to play nose tackle and the speed to be a three technique. Team sources feel that Carter is a better prospect than Jordan Davis or Devante Wyatt with this game giving proof to that. Overall, this tape will help Carter to be one of the first players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan has mid-round or day-three potential for the 2023 NFL Draft, but he was overmatched in this game. Duggan did not play well, but he really didn’t stand a chance as Georgia’s defensive line dominated the point of attack. Still, Duggan had some bad throws that really hurt the Horned Frogs.

Midway through the first quarter Duggan found receiver Derius Davis deep in busted coverage to hit a long completion of about 40 yards downfield. It should have gone for a touchdown, but Davis had to stop and wait for the ball as Duggan threw it late. After a nice run after the catch by Davis, the gain went for 60 yards. Duggan capped the drive with a short read-option touchdown run and that drive was lone positive for TCU all night.

Midway through the second quarter Duggan had Quentin Johnston running wide open deep down the field and Duggan overthrew his star receiver. The ball fell into the deep safety for an interception that TCU could not afford. Just before halftime, Duggan threw a floater into double coverage and it was easily intercepted for Georgia. Duggan finished completing 14-of-22 passes for 152 yards and two interceptions.

For the NFL, Duggan could be a backup quarterback. As a passer he is too inconsistent with his accuracy and ball placement. He aims throws and uses his strength to deliver the ball as opposed to being a natural passer. However he does have good instincts as a passer. Duggan is a good athlete that is a real running threat. That makes him very good in the red zone as Duggan is a tough runner that has quickness, agility, and strength. Multiple team sources have compared Duggan to Sam Ehlinger and Tim Tebow. Hence he could be a day three pick with a chance to sneak into day two.

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston could be the first wide receiver drafted next April, but this game won’t help him. Johnston got open on a number of plays but Duggan was unable to get him the ball as the Bulldogs pass rush never let Duggan get in any kind of rhythm. Johnston finished with only one catch for three yards.

For the NFL, Johnston looks like a future No. 1 receiver. He has mismatch size, with speed to get separation, and is a very good route runner. Team sources have said that Johnston is super smart and the hardest worker on the team. With his skill set, Johnston is a favorite to be the first wide receiver drafted and is likely to be a top-20 pick.

Other Weeks:

2023 NFL Mock Draft - March 28

2024 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 19

NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 17

NFL Picks - Feb. 14

Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 7

2023 NFL Draft: College Game Recaps - National Championship Game

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