Mel Kiper Jr. reveals NFL draft prospects to watch in Alabama-Miami game

There will be plenty of talented NFL prospects on the field when Alabama faces Miami on Saturday. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. spoke in a TV appearance about who he is most looking forward to watching.

“In this game for Alabama, I want to watch Evan Neal,” Kiper said. “He was an outstanding guard as a freshman and now he’s a left tackle. He’s huge and he’s gifted. Is he the next great lineman for Alabama? Certainly Christian Harris as well. John Metchie now becomes that dominant receiver for Alabama. But I think Evan Neal moving to that left tackle spot is going to be fun to watch to see if he can maintain that high draft grade.”

Neal was the No. 4 offensive tackle in the 2018 class according to 247Sports. The junior is now listed as the No. 4 overall prospect on Kiper’s 2022 big board, which was released Wednesday.

Harris is No. 18 on the big board, while Metchie comes in as the No. 6 receiver. Miami offensive tackle Zion Nelson is No. 7 at his position, and Bubba Bolden is the No. 10 safety.

Other Crimson Tide players included in the rankings are guard Emil Ekiyor Jr., defensive tackles Phidarian Mathis and DJ Dale, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, corbernack Josh Jobe, safety Jordan Battle, tight end Jahleel Billingsley and kicker Will Reichard.

No. 1 Alabama is coming off of an undefeated season and national championship victory against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide were the No. 1 offense in the country, but lose their starting quarterback, running back and top two receivers.

No. 14 Miami is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2018, when they entered the year at No. 8. The Hurricanes are coming off of an 8-3 season and Cheez-It Bowl appearance.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in Atlanta. It should be exciting to take in the NFL prospects on both Miami and Alabama in this top-25 matchup.