Taking a look at the top matchups and players heading into college football's fifth week:
NO. 8 ARKANSAS AT NO. 2 GEORGIA, Noon on ESPN
Georgia has the best defense in the country. They are loaded at all three levels of the defense, with an excellent mix of speed, size, experience, and talent. My impression is that Georgia is too good along the lines and is able to control the game. If the Bulldogs get up by double digits then the game will turn into a blowout.
Here’s who I am watching
Arkansas (deeper BSJ write-up)
Treylon Burks (WR) #16: Great size (6’3, 230 pounds) and above-average speed. Reminds me a lot of N’Keal Harry, potential first-rounder and won’t make it past the second round. Last Week: Massive game, 6 catches for 167 yds, 1 carry for 14 yds, and 1 TD.
Ricky Stromberg (C) #51: Big motor, plays tough, and the Hogs line has adopted his style. Day 3 pick with potential to force himself into Round 3. Last Week: Good game, not great. Very effective run blocking against a stout Texas A&M line (almost 200 yds). Gave up a few pressures.
Jalen Catalon (S) #1: Good potential player that would need to be scheme protected in the NFL. Last week: Only 2 tackles (30 tackles on the year).
New Arkansas Names This Week:
Hayden Henry (LB) #27: Callout for the Pats fans, Hayden is the brother of current TE Hunter Henry. He’s second on the team in tackles and leading the team in TFL. I have some concerns about his NFL athleticism, for that position, but potentially a Day 3 pick with a good season. Last Week: 7 tackles, 1 sack
Tre Williams (DE) #55: Leading the team in TFL and had 2 sacks last week against Texas A&M. He spent a lot of time in the backfield and was disruptive. His tape against top prospect, Kenyon Green, will help him get drafted. How high will depend on his testing measurables but his floor is now a day 3 pick.
Georgia
JT Daniels (QB) #18: Has been playing injured so far this year but really needs to stay on the field to complete his evaluation. He’s pretty accurate but could improve his decision-making. His upside is a potential first rounder but he hasn’t been healthy or consistent enough to warrant the pick.
Adam Anderson (LB) #19: Leading the team in sacks so far this year Anderson should be a household name by the end of the season. His pass rush “win rate” is outstanding. The question this year will be staying on the field for all 3 downs and being consistent. He’s a first-round talent.
Jamaree Salyer (T) #69: Best lineman for the Bulldogs that is a good athlete with good mirroring technique. He can drive people off the ball in the run game. His future in the NFL is at guard. Top 100 pick.
Nakobe Dean (LB) #17: He’s a great athlete and it translates to the football field, albeit slightly undersized. More playing time will support his processing speed and the finer details of the game which is critical to future success. He’s definitely a future draft pick, likely top 100.
Zamir White (RB) #3: The leader of a very talented 3 man RB rotation. Has NFL RB size and can run effectively between the tackles. He likely won’t make a lot of people miss at the next level but he’ll get what’s blocked plus YAC. For those of you who play fantasy football, good potential under-the-radar pick. Top 75 draft selection.
Derion Kendrick (CB) #11: The Clemson transfer has some off-field concerns that will need to be addressed at the NFL Combine and via draft interviews. Great size, experience, and athleticism for a corner. He has the ability to hunt the football as a CB. Top 50 talent that will fall on draft weekend.
Potential Patriots
Lewis Cine (S) #16: The Bulldogs had 2 DB’s go in the top 40 picks in the last draft and Cine is the best returning starter. The safety leads the team in tackles and PBU’s. He has really good range and is not afraid to come up to deliver a big hit. Played very well against Clemson. Top 45 pick.
Jordan Davis (DT) #99: Mountain of a man and he’s almost impossible to run directly at. He was outstanding in the Clemson game and he will play a big role in the Arkansas match-up. He needs to be more consistent down to down but I compare him to former Jacksonville Jaguar, John Henderson. Top 2-3 defensive tackle prospect and top 40 pick.
Nolan Smith (LB) #4: Smith is a really good college football player. At the next level, I see him more of an off-the-ball backer that brings great pass rush potential. He has a very similar profile as current Patriot, Josh Uche. Based on his instincts and athletic make-up I don’t think he gets past Round 2.
Tykee Smith (S) #23: Hasn’t yet played for the Bulldogs this year but the transfer from West Virginia is expected to play the STAR position (slot) for Georgia. One of the better slot corners in the country. Health and scheme fit will determine the draft slot.
Future Star
Jalen Carter (DT) #88: Lots of players to choose from on the Bulldogs but every time I watch a game this kid makes an explosive or disruptive play. Doesn’t have Richard Seymour’s height but has his style. He’ll be a name to know, future first-rounder.
TEXAS AT TCU, Noon on ABC
Zachary Evans and Bijon Robinson are two of the top 5 most talented backs in the country. They both just happen to be sophomores. TCU has sleeper potential, despite their loss to rival SMU, and their goals are in front of them. Same can be said for Texas, despite the loss to Arkansas. This game and the upcoming game against Oklahoma provide the opportunity to say, “Texas is back”.
Texas
DeMarvion Overshown (LB) #0: Started his career as a DB and moved up to linebacker. High-level athlete that leads the team in tackles. Overshown is an attractive player to scouts because he’s so versatile, both in position and scheme. Similar player to current Arizona Cardinal Isaiah Simmons or Cleveland Brown Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Most teams will start to value these types of players because of their flexibility. Top 100 pick.
T'Vondre Sweat (DT) #93: He won’t put up big stats but is one of the top true nose tackle prospects in college. He still has a little shake to him in the passing game (similar to Vince Wilfork, although that wouldn’t be a fair comparison right now).
Derek Kerstetter (RT) #68: He will have almost 50 starts in his career if he plays the whole season. He has consistently played very well against the pass but needs to improve hand placement and drive while run blocking. He offers some versatility at all 3 positions along the line (NFL career is likely inside). Day 3 selection who lands on the back of an NFL roster.
Future Star
Bijan Robinson (RB) #5: One of the top 3 running backs in college football, albeit not draft eligible. He can be used in both the running and passing game. Great combination of size, balance, speed, and vision. He’s a star and future first-rounder (even with the depressed draft value of RBs).
TCU
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (CB) #1: Small corner but plays really physical for his size and tries to win at the LOS. To the point that press coverage may be one of his best assets. He also shows strong closing speed. Teammates seem to rally around him. Related to Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson. Top 60 pick.
Noah Daniels (CB) #21: Seems to always play well but isn’t always on the field which makes his projection difficult (unless you’re willing to look past the injuries). Good size and he’s plus in press coverage. The key to the TCU defensive scheme is disruption in timing and extra DB. Daniels has a strong skill set absent his track record of availability. Top 100 pick.
Potential Patriots
Ochaun Mathis (DE) #32: He has good size (the measurables Patriots target for their edge rushers) and more often wins with technique than pure speed. He does have good get-off and hustles to make backside plays. He’s the type of player I would love for the Patriots to draft. Top 75 pick if he declares early. Potential first-rounder if he stays in school another year.
Obinna Eze (LT) #55: Transfer from Memphis who is still getting settled but has a high upside. Huge human (6-8, 334 pounds). Scouts will like his size and power in the run game. There is some question on how he’ll handle speed rushers that also have plus bend. His ability to answer that question will impact his draft status. Reminds me of young Marcus Cannon, who took some time for the Patriots to develop into a full-time starter.
Future Star
Zach Evans (RB) #6: Similar to Bijan Robinson, Evans is one of the top college running backs. He can be physical with really good vision. Reminds me of a young Marshawn Lynch.
BOSTON COLLEGE AT NO. 25 CLEMSON, 7:30 PM on ACC Network
A tale of two cities entering this game. BC is undefeated while Clemson has suffered some significant injuries over the last couple of weeks, they haven’t been ranked this low in 7 years, and they haven’t clicked on offense (their offensive line has been very poor). This is the year for the ACC to get their licks in because Clemson is going to be loaded with high-end returning starters next season.
Here’s who I am watching:
Boston College
Zay Flowers (WR) #4: Shifty player that has played outside receiver for the Eagles. May need to shift inside at the next level given his size but he’s a gamer and competes for balls. He is a deep threat with his speed. Good upside, similar to current Buffalo Bill Emmanuel Sanders. He’s a 3rd Rounder with the potential to move up into the 2nd round.
Alec Lindstrom (C) #72: Brother of former Eagle first-round pick and current Atlanta Falcon, Chris Lindstrom. He’s having a great season so far. Alec does a great job using his athleticism to climb to the second level and recovers well. He may struggle against bigger bodies at the next level. Think Jason Kelce from the Philadelphia Eagles. Top 100 pick.
Zion Johnson (LG) #77: BC moved him back inside to guard this year. Serves him better in the pass game. He can be a bully in the run game. Some see him as the first guard taken but I think he’s more a Round 3-5 pick.
Tyler Vrabel (T) #78: Patriots/NFL fans know the name because his father, Mike Vrabel, is the head coach of the Titans and franchise great for the Patriots. He has good size and athleticism. Looks to be physical and impose his will. He has a lot of playing experience and this game will be good tape given the athleticism of the Tigers defensive line. He could be one of the top tackle prospects next year if he stays in school.
Clemson
Justyn Ross (WR) #8: Potential mismatch for the Tigers in this game. He missed last year after needing congenital fusion in his spine. He’s been slow to bounce back but when he started his career he was thought to have higher upside than former teammate and current Cincinnati Bengal, Tee Higgins. He’s a big, athletic body that has an expansive catch radius. Some scouts had him as a potential 1st rounder but he could drop to day 3 if he doesn’t have a strong season. If he stays healthy, I expect him to be picked somewhere Round 2-3.
Andrew Booth (CB) #23: Good ball skills and great balance coming in and out of breaks. Needs to improve his technique but the skill is there and very competitive against good WRs. Expect to see Booth on Flowers quite a bit. In a deep corner class, he’s a top 75 pick.
Jordan McFadden (T) #71: He has a similar build and success as current Patriot LT Isaiah Wynn. He’s having a good year but scouts are going to be concerned about his size and arm length and he’ll likely get pushed inside.
Future Stars
DJ Uiagalelei (QB) #5: The sophomore QB is huge; his physical stature, his arm talent, his potential. Needs to be more consistent with his accuracy and touch. Footwork and mechanics will be key to his development. Ultimately he needs to tie the lower half to the motion of his upper half. Has first round, including top of the draft, potential.
Myles Murphy (DE) #98: Future first-rounder hasn’t had the best start to his season but he can change a game quickly. Freshman All-American.
FINAL CALLOUTS
Held off on a deep dive for No. 7 Cincinnati at No. 9 Notre Dame this week because we wrote about each of them over the last two weeks. Few callouts:
If Cincinnati wins, they are a legit playoff threat and QB Desmond Ridder will be in the Heisman race (which helps his draft stock). As I said a few weeks ago, he’s more athletic than he looks and will test well at the combine. Outside chance to be a first-rounder.
Same with Alabama (we will get back to them later this season). Few callouts for the No. 12 Ole Miss at No 1. Alabama game.
Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is the wild card in this game. If he has a big game you’ll hear about him as the Heisman favorite and I believe he’s the best QB prospect this year, a top 10 pick. Historically, he has great stats but will mix in “blow up” games (think Ryan Fitzpatrick). This year he’s been remarkably consistent and he’s known inside the program as a great competitor.
RB/WR Jerrion Ealy is an all-purpose style player for Ole Miss. He plays mostly out of the backfield but think of him as similar to recent NY Giants first-rounder (WR Kadarius Toney). Explosive player who can make a play on anyone in the country.
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