Let's get right into the top matchups and prospects this weekend:
NO. 7 KENTUCKY AT NO. 14 OLE MISS, 12:00 p.m. on ESPN
QB #7 Will Levis, Kentucky (6-3, 232): The Connecticut native is good on the move, has a quick release, and enough arm to be an NFL starter. He had too many INTs last year (13) and he has 4 so far this year. But he can make the wow throw and he’s a physical athlete that can run the ball when needed. Consistency and progressions will be the focus this year. Lots to be determined in the QB evaluations, but he’s a potential first-rounder.
RB #6 Zach Evans, Ole Miss (6-0, 215): He’s dealing with a hip injury, but he’s expected to play. Good speed, elusive, dangerous in the open field with his vision and will have enough NFL size. He was kicked off his high school team during the playoffs and his recruiting process was very odd. He landed at TCU but transferred to Ole Miss this spring. So, teams will really dig into his background. I think he has top 100 talent but may fall out of the first 3 rounds.
LG #64 Nick Broeker, Ole Miss (6-5, 315): The former tackle moved to guard this year. He has good balance and physicality at the line of scrimmage. His length is a better fit on the inside. He’ll have over 30 games started in the SEC. He's a top 100 guy.
RT #78 Jeremy James, Ole Miss (6-5, 305): He didn’t allow a sack last year and he’s playing well again this season. Under-the-radar prospect who keeps improving.
WR #9 Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky (5-11, 189): He was productive at VT (113 career catches, 1,555 yds) and he’s off to a strong start in the SEC (20 catches, 349 yards, 2 TDs). Slot WR at the next level who can also return punts.
Day 3 prospects
RB #24 Chris Rodriquez Jr., Kentucky (5-11, 224): Coming off suspension Rodriguez is a really productive college back that runs hard and gets what is blocked. Late round prospect.
LT #68 Kenneth Horsey, Kentucky (6-3, 304): Moved outside to tackle and he’s playing well. He’s a better fit at guard and his versatility will help him with evaluators.
LB #8 Troy Brown, Ole Miss (6-1, 218): He was a 3x All-MAC selection. He looks like an NFL safety and he’s good in coverage for a LB. This will be a better test against Kentucky’s strong offensive line.
WR #1 Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss (6-2, 225): Experienced player that leads the team in receiving. Potential all-SEC candidate.
S #21 AJ Finley, Ole Miss (6-3, 205): Considered the team leader of the defense. Third year starting. Late round prospect.
NO. 9 OKLAHOMA STATE AT NO. 16 BAYLOR, 3:30 p.m. on FOX
NT #98 Siaka Ika, Baylor (6-4, 358): He’s a potential target for the Patriots given their need for interior defensive line depth. He’s a true nose at the next level. Very strong guy who has a decent burst and he’s more nimble than you’d expect given his size. Ika needs to be more consistent against the run, he can sometimes get too high and lose his leverage. But he has the ability and he’s not just an early down player (33 pressures and 4 sacks last year).
LT #76 Connor Galvin, Baylor (6-7, 307): He continues to improve, and he has a ton of experience (almost 40 starts). The reigning Big-12 Offensive Lineman of the Year only gave 4 pressures and no sacks since the start of last season. His fit is probably best for an outside blocking scheme. Good matchup against OKST’s talented defensive line.
DE #89 Tyler Lacy, OKST (6-4, 285): He started right away for the Cowboys and will have almost 40 career starts. He’s the best player on a talented defensive line and his strength is how he plays the run. His frame is NFL ready, and I believe he could play himself into the top 100 picks. While he lines up on the edge, I think his best fit will be as a 3-4 DE or 3 technique DT.
Day 3 prospects
LB #5 Dillon Doyle, Baylor (6-3, 240): Late-round prospect who caught my eye watching Baylor last season. Led the team with 90 tackles.
TE #8 Ben Sims, Baylor (6-5, 258): He’s a late-round prospect but I suspect the Patriots will target the position. While he’s not explosive, he does move the chains and his experience makes him effective in the red zone. He’s the best receiving option for the Bears and a potential All-Conference player.
C #66 Jacob Gall, Baylor (6-2, 299): Very effective, All-Big 12 type player who’s played multiple interior positions. His lack of length is going to be a challenge in the NFL game. Potential late round pick or PFA.
QB #3 Spencer Sanders, OKST (6-1, 210): Decorated player who’s a 4-year starter and was First-team All-Big 12 last year. He’s a dual threat QB and he’s gotten better at protecting the football. The best thing I can say is that he finds ways to win. I question how much his game translates at the next level, but he’ll get his shot.
WR #8 Braydon Johnson, OKST (6-0, 205): He was hurt last year but he’s poised for a big season. He’s very fast and has a strong frame to battle for the ball. He’ll need to contribute on ST to help make an NFL roster.
NO. 10 NORTH CAROLINA STATE AT NO. 5 CLEMSON, 7:30 p.m. on ABC
DE #98 Myles Murphy, Clemson (6-5, 275): We covered Murphy to start the season. He has 1.5 sacks and 11 tackles so far. Good balanced player who is a potential first rounder.
DT #11 Bryan Bresee, Clemson (6-5, 305): He’s personally coming off a torn ACL last year and hasn’t quite hit his stride yet but he’s a good player. Does a good job keeping his head up which allows him to move with purpose and find the ball better than most. Bresee is ultra-physical and moves well but needs to watch his pad level. I could see him being a Justin Smith type at the next level, slimming down slightly and being a dominating 3-4 end. I have him as a potential first-rounder. Sadly, he just lost his younger sister to cancer, and it will be something they’ll cover in the telecast.
LB #22 Trenton Simpson, Clemson (6-3, 240): When evaluating LBs for the next level, scouts care about instincts and physical tools over production. That’s what will put Simpson in the top-two rounds. He has high-end athleticism and his profile (4.4 speed, looks like a big safety) is where the NFL game is going. This is his first year in the middle of the defense. To justify a Round 1 selection you’d want to see more game changing plays (like Devin Lloyd last year).
QB #13 Devin Leary, NCST (6-1, 215): He has 51 career TDs and only 12 INTs. He can make big time throws but generally eliminate the ones that cause turnovers. He’s very competitive, plays well in key situations, and he’s the leader of the team. GM’s and coaches are going to like him as a Round 3 or 4 guy who could become a long-term backup.
CB #13 Tyler Baker-Williams, NCST (6-0, 205): He’s a nickel corner who was voted best DB on the team the last 2 years. He’s off to a great start this year, he's only allowed 2 catches and he has 2 picks.
Day 3 prospects
LT #71 Jordan McFadden, Clemson (6-2, 305): He’ll have over 35 career starts at LT for the Tigers and he’s been a very productive player. Good feet, great technique and things don’t move too fast for him. I have him rated just outside my top 5 guards
DE #5 K.J. Henry, Clemson (6-4, 255): He’s played very well in both ACC games this year. He’s a team captain and well thought of within the program. He’s faced some adversity after arriving as a top recruit.
QB #5 DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson (6-4, 235): Another year of seasoning (and competition) should help him. He's a big kid who can be physical when he tucks it and he’s slimmed down which has helped with his mobility. He has a huge arm but touch and accuracy need to be more consistent. Uiagalelei has wonderful traits but needs to develop more.
DT #33 Ruke Orhorhoro (6-4, 295): He could probably use one more year of seasoning, but he has moments off flash on the tape. Enough size and athleticism to intrigue scouts. Currently leading the team with 2 sacks.
NT #13 Cory Durden, NCST (6-4, 310): Off to a slow start this season (coming off surgery in the spring) but he was First-team All Conference last year. This is a position the Patriots will draft next year.
C #50 Grant Gibson, NCST (6-1, 305): He’s a team captain who will finish with over 45 career starts. He’s small for the NFL game which will limit his draft prospect, but I expect him to make a roster.
LB #1 Isaiah Moore, NCST (6-2, 232): He’s a 3x captain for the Wolfpack. He’s suffered some injuries and his health will be important to getting drafted. Highest upside of the Wolfpack linebackers.
LB #32 Drake Thomas, NCST (6-0, 235): First-team All-ACC last year. He can play SAM or MIKE positions and well thought of within the program. He’s a rally cat that gets himself to the football by any means necessary. ST player at the next level.
LB #11 Payton Wilson, NCST (6-4, 235): Led team in tackles in '19 & '20 but had a season ending injury in the 2nd game of the year last year and he’s been dinged up so far this season. He has NFL size and plays a physical style, but he needs to stay healthy.