2026 NFL draft: Prospects Giants should watch during Thursday's CFP games

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The College Football Playoffs are in full swing, and New Year’s Day will feature three key contests that the entire football world — including the New York Giants — will be watching.

A day removed from a moderately underwhelming slate highlighted by opt-outs and transfer portal exits, NFL scouts and executives will be treated to a trio of games lined with 2026 NFL draft prospects and future stars. The talent will be abundant, and for those picking in the top 10 of April’s draft, this will likely be their last live look at many before the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

With the Giants picking no worse than seventh overall, Thursday represents a big opportunity for the team’s college personnel department.

Here is a quick breakdown of the players the Giants should key in on today.

Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech

Player spotlight: Oregon defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington

The Giants have had persistent issues stopping the run in recent years and have gotten little out of their defensive tackles next to Dexter Lawrence. Oregon’s A’Mauri Washington could help shore up those issues if he fits into their selection range come April.

Here is what Mel Kiper Jr. had to say about Washington:

Washington is putting it all together. He is powerful. He’s quick and explosive. He’s tough as nails. Teams are going to be interested in that combination, even if his game is still a little raw, with no career starts before this season. Washington can clog up the middle against the run, and he can power through with his bull rush to get interior pressure. We saw such a sack in Oregon’s Week 7 game against Indiana. He is very difficult to contain at the point of attack. Washington is still developing, and he could continue to rise up boards before April.

Other players of note:

  • Oregon QB Dante Moore
  • Oregon WR Malik Benson
  • Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
  • Oregon LB Teitum Tuioti
  • Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalele
  • Oregon OL Emmanuel Pregnon
  • Oregon OL Isaiah World
  • Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
  • Texas Tech LB Romello Height
  • Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey
  • Texas Tech NT Lee Hunter
  • Texas Tech TE Terrance Carter Jr.

Rose Bowl: Indiana vs. Alabama

Player spotlight: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza

This is the big one, and everyone who is anyone knows which prospect everyone will be watching on Thursday: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The Giants may already have Dart under center, but reports have suggested they will evaluate “everything” if they land the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, including Mendoza. While that’s likely a leak to drive up the price of the pick in a potential trade, you never know what could happen with a new coaching staff coming in.

Here is what Mel Kiper Jr. had to say about Mendoza:

Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with only 18 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn’t have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn’t consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.

Other players of note:

  • Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds
  • Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt
  • Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
  • Indiana OL Carter Smith
  • Alabama QB Ty Simpson
  • Alabama OL Kadyn Proctor
  • Alabama OL Parker Brailsford
  • Alabama WR Germie Bernard
  • Alabama TE Josh Cuevas
  • Alabama EDGE L.T. Overton
  • Alabama LB Yhonzae Pierre
  • Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
  • Alabama LB Justin Jefferson
  • Alabama DT Tim Keenan III
  • Alabama S Bray Hubbard

Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Georgia

Player spotlight: Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen

There is a surprising lack of top-end prospect talent in this game (as it relates to 2026), and precious few are projected as a Day 1 pick. Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen stands alone in that regard, and it happens to come as a position of need for the Giants.

Here’s what NFL Draft Buzz had to say about Allen:

Allen has legitimate three-down potential at the next level with the athletic profile and instincts to make an immediate impact against the run. His sideline-to-sideline range jumps off the screen, particularly when tracking down perimeter runs or blitzing from unexpected angles. However, his coverage responsibilities will need continued refinement, as his reactions in zone coverage occasionally come a beat slow and his man technique remains inconsistent against savvy route runners.

What separates Allen from many of his peers is how he combines his athletic gifts with growing football intelligence. The Georgia linebacker reads and processes information quickly, allowing him to play at full speed rather than hesitating before triggering downhill. This diagnostic ability helps mask some of his current coverage limitations. While he’s shown promising development in passing situations, quarterbacks at the next level will test him early and often until he proves he can consistently handle complex route combinations.

The NFL transition should be relatively smooth for Allen given his experience in Georgia’s pro-style defensive system. His value on day one comes as a run-stopping enforcer who brings physicality between the tackles and range to the perimeter, with developmental upside in coverage that will determine his ultimate ceiling. Teams running multiple defensive fronts will particularly value his versatility and football character, offering the foundation of a defensive signal-caller who can grow into a cornerstone linebacker.

Other players of note:

  • Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss
  • Ole Miss TE Dae’Quan Wright
  • Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris
  • Georgia WR Zachariah Branch
  • Georgia TE Oscar Delp
  • Georgia TE Lawson Luckie
  • Georgia DT Christen Miller
  • Georgia P Brett Thorson
  • Georgia K Peyton Woodring
  • Georgia LS Beau Gardner

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Prospects Giants should watch during Thursday’s CFP games

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