Peach Bowl 2016: Predictions for Top Prospects in Washington vs. Alabama

A spot in the national championship is on the line at the 2016 Peach Bowl, and it shouldn't be a surprise that both teams are loaded with NFL prospects.

Alabama has dominated the regular season with a talented roster of former 5-star prospects who are well on their way toward playing at the next level. While Washington has been a bit overlooked throughout the year, there are still several players who have a future of playing on Sundays.

Here is a breakdown of some of the stars that scouts will be looking at on both sides of the ball.

Alabama

Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle

This isn't the best class of offensive linemen, but NFL teams are always in desperate need of players at the position. This could bring Cam Robinson into the first round and possibly the first half if he proves himself over the next few months.

That will start with strong performances in the College Football Playoff against Washington and potentially Clemson or Ohio State in the finals.

The Huskies have a few tough challenges on the defensive line, including Elijah Qualls and Vita Vea, but neither are much of threat as pass-rushers. This could be a chance for Robinson to show what he can do in the passing game, keeping the pocket clean on the biggest stage of the year.

O.J. Howard, Tight End

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The production hasn't always been there for O.J. Howard, who has just 445 receiving yards and no games of more than 80 yards this season. His projection in the NFL is based on potential, which he showed in last year's national title game with five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

It's difficult to imagine him posting more big numbers in this one against a Washington defense that features a lot of athleticism at linebacker, cornerback and safety. These players can stay with Howard in the middle of the field and won't allow for many opportunities to make plays after the catch.

Howard has all the tools NFL teams look for in a tight end and could be a first-round pick, but you wouldn't know it from this game, where he will likely only add a couple of catches to his season total.

Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback

Marlon Humphrey was injured for the SEC title game due to injury and his absence was noticed early on as Florida moved the ball down the field. Alabama eventually figured out how to play without him, but the cornerback still has a lot of value on this team.

He will have one of his toughest assignments of the year against Washington receivers John Ross and Dante Pettis, both of whom are capable of scoring any time they touch the ball.

Humphrey is one of the top players in the 2017 class, ranked No. 5 overall by CBS Sports, but he will have to prove it in the Peach Bowl. He won't be shutting anyone down. Look for Ross to build up his stats on a lot of short passes, but Humphrey will do his best to avoid giving up a game-changing play.

This won't be Humphrey's best day, but he will make a difference on the field.

Entire Front-Seven

This is cheating a bit, but Alabama is simply loaded in the front-seven and this group will make the biggest impact on the field against Washington.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller summed it up best:

Reuben Foster is the player he apparently struggles to keep an eye on, yet he is the team's leading tackler with 94 on the year. The linebacker is certain to add plenty more to his list in this one.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Allen will be able to nearly shut down the run game while Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson keep the pressure on Jake Browning all day long. It would not be surprising to see this trio combine for four or five sacks.

The Huskies have solid players on the offensive line, but they have not seen anything quite like Alabama up front. The Crimson Tide will win in the trenches and cause major problems for Washington's offense.

Allen and Foster will especially turn heads for those looking to see future NFL stars.

Washington

John Ross, Wide Receiver

Alabama coach Nick Saban gave high praise to Washington, calling it "by far probably the most explosive, most balanced offensive team that we've played all year long," per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times.

Browning, Myles Gaskin and Pettis all contributed to the offense's success this year, but the player who makes the biggest difference on this offense is Ross.

The junior receiver is one of the top breakout performers in college football this season, earning All-American honors after totaling 76 catches for 1,122 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. As good as Alabama's defense is, Ross has the ability to beat almost anyone in open space and get open.

Although Browning might not have much time in the pocket to work the deep ball, the coaching staff will call plays to get Ross the ball and see what he can do. He should be able to top 100 yards and give the Huskies a chance to win.

Sidney Jones, Cornerback

In a 2017 class loaded with cornerbacks, Sidney Jones is one of the best available. He has good size at 6'0", 181 pounds and the speed to stick with almost anyone.

Even in Washington's loss to USC, the cornerback did a great job of slowing down JuJu Smith-Schuster as he has done to receivers all year long.

Alabama has a few dynamic players like Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart, but neither should give Jones much of a problem. Look for the Crimson Tide to game plan around him and look on the other side of the field from wherever the cornerback is lined up.

Although you might not hear his name called, he will be doing his job.

Budda Baker, Safety

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Alabama doesn't have much of a downfield passing attack, which takes away much of Budda Baker's skill set as a deep safety. However, he excels at moving around the field, helping him rank second on the team with 65 tackles, including a team-high nine for loss.

The challenge for him will be to make plays near the line of scrimmage against the run. This is where Baker could end up struggling against a team that does a great job of blocking everyone in the path.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has also proved to be quite elusive when he leaves the pocket, putting more pressure on players like Baker to take the right angles and finish off plays. While the safety has had an outstanding season, this game might not end up on the highlight reel.

Note: Statistics courtesy of official team websites.

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