Scouting potential pros in conference title games

Matt Ryan has led Boston College to a surprising 10-2 record this season. Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

By Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com

NFL scouts get a slight reprieve this week as the college schedule offers just a handful of regular season games and several conference title games. Still, the conference championships figure to offer scouts the best opportunity to see some of the nation's top prospects. Here's who they'll have their eyes on (* -- denotes underclassman).

ACC: Virginia Tech vs. Boston College

Matt Ryan/QB/#12/Boston College: Ryan is in the midst of a Cinderella campaign, which at one point had him in the running for the Heisman Trophy. He's going against a tough Hokie secondary that he beat in the final seconds just a few weeks ago. But no matter how this game ends up, Ryan has elevated his draft stock to the point that he'll be a top-eight selection next April.

Gosder Cherilus/OT/#77/Boston College: He's having an up and down season since moving to left tackle. He struggled earlier this season against the Hokies, but a good game this week could secure him a spot in the middle of round one.

Brandon Flowers*/CB/#18/Virginia Tech: He's one of the better shutdown corners in the nation. His play last week against archrival Virginia was stellar. The junior grades as a top-40 pick.

Xavier Adibi/OLB/#11/Virginia Tech: The senior is having a career season, leading Virginia Tech in tackles and tackles for loss. One of the better linebacker prospects in the nation, he rates as a second-round selection.

DeJuan Tribble/CB/#27/Boston College: He's considered the top senior cornerback in the nation and a potential top-75 pick. His ability to contribute on special teams gives him added value. On Saturday he'll try to stop a solid group of Tech receivers, which goes four deep.

Chris Ellis/DE/#49/Virginia Tech: He's a disruptive pass rusher who harassed Matt Ryan earlier this season. Scouts project him as either a defensive end in a conventional alignment or as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. His workouts prior to the draft will be pivotal.

1 of 2