Top prospects for Eagles to watch during conference championships

The Eagles are preparing to head back up the New Jersey Turnpike to face an AFC foe in the New York Jets on Sunday.

Even as Philadelphia gets engulfed in Week 13 of the NFL season, the eyes of team scouts and general manager, Howie Roseman, will be on College football’s conference championship weekend.

The weekend is all about determining which four teams make the College Football Playoff while providing an opportunity for teams to scout the draft’s top prospect.

With Philadelphia having 3 first-round picks in April’s NFL Draft, Friday night and Saturday will provide the opportunity for Roseman to scout America’s top talent before the Senior Bowl.

Here are the players to watch starting with Friday night’s Pac 12 Championship game.

Nov 20, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) is rushed by Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) in the fourth quarterer at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, left, bears down on Washington State quarterback Jayden de Laura during the first half.
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An explosive pass rusher and athletic specimen that rivals Micah Parson’s in space, Thibodeaux will look to reclaim the No. 1 spot from Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.

Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) intercepts a pass by Stanford quarterback Jack West (10) at the goal line and returns it for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker has the size, length, and athleticism teams covet in the first round.

Lloyd covers plenty of ground vs. the run but can be elite against the pass as well.

Oregon’s Verone McKinley III, right, pulls down an interception against Washington State during the first quarter.
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A dynamic playmaker who can track the football in the air and displays natural instincts in coverage, McKinley III is rising up draft boards.

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A hybrid cornerback, who can play outside or in the slot, Wright plays with excellent footwork and technique.

Oct 2, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Jaylen Warren (7) jumps after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 2, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Drake Dabney (89) turns to run after a reception as Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Kolby Harvell-Peel (31) defends during the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma State star Kolby Harvell-Peel is versatile and productive, racking up 10 interceptions over his career.

He finished his career earning all Big-12 Honors in 2021.

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Similar to his counterpart at Oklahoma State, Pitre is more of an athletic, in-the-box defender that can dominate in the run game.

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Smith, a converted linebacker, is a physical runner and a player to watch on Saturday.

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Bernard missed the first game against the Cowboys with a knee injury, and he’s second on the team with 62 tackles and has a team-high five sacks.

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An imposing figure and likely first-round pick, Davis is the type of player that could help transition from Fletcher Cox in the future.

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Pickens has been battling back from a torn ACL and he’ll be a player to watch on Saturday and in the playoffs.

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A jack of all trades linebacker, Dean can do it all and that includes rushing the passer, stopping the run, or playing the pass.

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) tries to escape a tackle by Georgia defensive back Derion Kendrick (11) during a football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.
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The former Clemson star has quietly gone about his business at Georgia and he’ll certainly be a first-round pick.

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The top offensive line prospect on the board, Neal may not fit with the Eagles from a position standpoint with Lane Johnson still in the teams’ plan.

Neal is an athletic marvel and a monster on the edge.

Auburn Tigers defensive back Roger McCreary (23) breaks up a pass intended for Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) during the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.
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Williams is a smooth, fluid player that fits the Alabama mode and can make plays at every level.

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See Jameson Williams.

Not in the caliber of Jerry Jeudy or DeVonta Smith, Metchie III is a star.

Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Harris (8) pressures Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

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