The college football world will be hard-pressed to match the incredible games we witnessed last Saturday. And while there are a few minor skirmishes which could impact the top 25 national rankings, there are several terrific match-ups between 2020 NFL Draft prospects scouts should keep an eye on. As we have all season long, PFN will be here all day from 11:30 AM – Midnight EST with analysis, opinion and breaking news in our Week 12 CFB game day blog.
Keep up with stories and analysis from the PFN Draft crew daily here at PFN, and be sure to check out the latest edition of the PFN Draft Insiders Podcast with Andy Herman and me, where we provide the latest inside information from around the NFL and preview today’s action.
Updates throughout the day are followed by initials. TP is me (Tony Pauline), AJ is AJ Schulte, IC is Ian Cummings, and NF is Nick Farabaugh. Let’s get started!
11:58 PM
It doesn’t look like #Pac12AfterDark will strike this week, as Utah dominated UCLA today and Oregon looks well on their way to a victory over Arizona. USC-Cal features an intriguing matchup between the USC playmakers at wide receiver – Michael Pittman and Amon-Ra St. Brown versus the Cal secondary featuring corner Camryn Bynum and safety Ashtyn Davis. So far, advantage: USC.
Arizona is still rotating quarterbacks in this game. Khalil Tate and Grant Gunnell have both taken snaps at quarterback to start the game. I don’t know if this is a coaching decision or an injury with Tate. AJ
11:35 PM
While watching Justin Herbert tonight, keep an eye on the Oregon corner duo of Thomas Graham Jr and Deommodore Lenoir. Lenoir is a feisty athlete that projects well as a nickel corner at the next level, but looks like a top-100 player in this class. Graham is somewhat of a sleeper, but he’s got smooth hips and is a good athlete. Both boast excellent ball skills and playmaking ability. AJ
11:16 PM
What a tremendous comeback by Oklahoma to win. Jalen Hurts led the Sooners back to their largest comeback victory ever. Teams will notice his response to early adversity when they go back for their evaluations. His response to adverse situations has been a story of his entire career. At the very least, he’s a proven winner. I described him as such in an article I published back in June. AJ
10:58 PM
One of the fastest rising prospects of this season has to be Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. I profiled him earlier this season, and his high level of play has continued. He’s already accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, capping off a dominant senior season. He posted a 10-173-1 stat line today. His speed and ability after the catch make him such a unique weapon for the Sun Devils. Definitely should be on the Day 2 radars for many teams, especially if he tests like he plays. AJ
10:49 PM
Justin Herbert opened up the Oregon game with a deep, 75-yard strike for a touchdown off busted coverage. With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, Justin Herbert looks like the QB2 for this NFL Draft. I’ve been a fan of Herbert and still believe in his talent (which means sticking through watching their offensive scheme). Additionally, Tony Pauline says he has all the makings of a franchise quarterback. It will be a lot of fun to see him and LSU quarterback Joe Burrow go head to head at the Senior Bowl. AJ
10:43 PM
I seemingly talk about the Utah defense every week, but these guys are talented and deep. Upfront, defensive tackle Leki Fotu and pass rusher Bradlee Anae are both Senior Bowl-bound and are a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. I’ve raved about linebacker Francis Bernard now for weeks, and their secondary features star corner Jaylon Johnson and two talented safeties in Julian Blackmon and Terrell Burgess. I’m more bullish on Burgess, but both will be on NFL rosters. AJ
9:55 PM
Utah offensive tackle Darrin Paulo is getting a lot of love from area scouts. The former right tackle moved to the left side this year and is doing a terrific job. He’s long, strong and a terrific position blocker who could be a solid swing tackle at the next level. I presently grade Paulo as a sixth-round prospect. TP
9:45 PM
Throughout the day, I’ve mentioned several smaller/shorter cornerbacks with next-level potential and Kary Vincent Jr., listed below as a potential second-round pick, is the best of the bunch.
Despite playing injured, Vincent made a beautiful interception in the third quarter as Ole Miss was drawing close. He displayed his speed, ball skills, and athleticism. Vincent will be a terrific nickel back at the next-level with the ability to play over the slot receiver. TP
9:30 PM
The development of LSU receiver Justin Jefferson continues to impress me. His game is more polished, more reliable, and he continues to come up in bog spots.
I expect Jefferson with enter the draft once the season concludes and I’m hearing there will be a large number of underclassmen from LSU who will follow suit – which is usually the case. Here’s how I presently stack up the LSU underclassmen. TP
Grade | Round | Full Name | Pos | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.18 | 1st | Grant Delpit | S | 3Jr |
3.83 | 2nd | Kary Vincent Jr. | CB | 3Jr |
3.82 | 2nd | Jacob Phillips | OLB | 3Jr |
3.80 | 2nd | Justin Jefferson | WR | 3Jr |
3.62 | 3rd | Austin Deculus | T | 3Jr |
3.58 | 4th | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | 3Jr |
3.40 | 5th | K’Lavon Chaisson | OLB | 3So |
3.35 | 5th | JaCoby Stevens | S | 3Jr |
3.21 | FA | Glen Logan | DE | 4Jr |
9:10 PM
Julian Blackmon of Utah is going to be a late-round pick and I’m not sure he has a true position at the next level, as he’s slight of size for safety and lacks the pure ball skills for cornerback. Even with that, I believe he’ll make a roster as a ninth defensive back/special teams player. Blackmon shows excellent instincts and plays tough football. TP
8:55 PM
Baylor is putting a beating on Oklahoma with 7 minutes left in the second quarter. I mentioned during a Q&A and podcast last month that Baylor head coach Matt Rhule is going to be one of the hottest coaching candidates in the NFL once the season ends and will be able to write his own ticket. Tonight’s game will only enhance his appeal to NFL teams.
Meanwhile, the NY Jets, who wanted to hire Rhule but would not let him pick the assistant coaches, announced last week that Adam Gase will return to coach the team in 2020. TP
8:20 PM
When talking Oregon State juniors, the conversation this season has centered around receiver Isaiah Hodgins. That said, Hodgins may not even be the first Beavers player selected in the draft if he enters.
Outside linebacker/pass rusher Hamilcar Rashed Jr. is receiving all kinds of chatter from area scouts, as he’s lighting the world on fire. The redshirt junior has accumulated 18.5 TFLs and 12 sacks in nine games this season. He’s a long, agile athlete with growth potential who makes a living harassing quarterbacks. TP
8:10 PM
The Bruins have had a good stretch of play after a very slow start, but now face one of the hottest teams in the Pac 12: Utah. I continue to be told Utes cornerback Jaylon Johnson will enter the draft and received further confirmation of this last week. Keep an eye on the junior tonight as the Bruins multi-faceted offense will be a challenge for Johnson.
For a running list of everything I’ve been hearing about who will enter the NFL Draft in April, be sure to visit this page and bookmark it. TP
8PM
Baylor’s Bravvion Roy, previously listed as a Week 8 Riser, just showed why I think he’ll go from pre-season PFA to late-round pick on boards around the league. He’s a big, stout, wide-bodied nose tackle who not only occupies the gaps but shows the ability to make plays.
Roy had 37 tackles with 7.5 TFL’s coming into the game against Oklahoma. He moves well for a 320-plus pound lineman and displays terrific quickness and power. TP
7:55 PM
Listed as a slider early in the season, I am still dumbfounded some scouts graded pass rusher Qaadir Sheppard of Mississippi as a potential top 125 pick. He’s a ‘tweener who lacks the size to be a defensive end and the speed to be a linebacker. For the season, Sheppard has totals of 18 tackles and 1.5 TFL. TP
7:40 PM
In what was a wild game, Central Michigan scored late to defeat Ball State 45-44, making a bowl berth near impossible for BSU. That being the case, running back Walter Fletcher, who I highlighted on Friday, had a terrific game.
Fletcher finished with 115 yards on 15 carries and added two receptions for 39 yards. He also returned 2 kicks for 57 yards. That sort of versatility will get Fletcher late-round consideration in the draft next April. TP
7:30 PM
Utah plays UCLA later tonight, and while the eyes of the world will be on Utah’s Senior Bowl invites, this is a potentially big game for UCLA running back Joshua Kelley. I, personally, have never been the biggest fan of Kelley, but it is undeniable that he has good vision and athletic traits. If he shows out against this talented Utes defense, Kelley’s stock could certainly rise. NF
7:25 PM
A.J. Epenesa is a dominant player who had a great game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers today. I am not sure what the official tally will be, but he had to have at least two sacks and four pressures on the day. Epenesa’s power and violent hands are going to draw him rave reviews from the scouting community, and it is why he has a first-round grade from me right now.
Keep an eye for if Epenesa declares because it is very possible that he ends up being the second EDGE taken off the board after Chase Young. NF
7:15 PM
To the surprise of no one, LSU is out to an early 7-0 lead over Ole Miss and all due to the magical escapability of Joe Burrow. Burrow felt the pressure, stepped in the pocket, scrambled out, and found an open Ja’Marr Chase 40 yards downfield to finish off a great touchdown play. Burrow has maybe been the most improved player in the country, let alone at quarterback and has to be the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick at this point, especially after Tua Tagovailoa’s injury. NF
7:10 PM
With Baylor’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Baylor will take on Oklahoma tonight in Waco. This game means more to Denzel Mims than just about anyone else on either team.
Mims has risen to the occasion all year and Baylor would not be undefeated without him. However, scouts will be watching to see how he performs on the biggest stage Baylor has faced all season long. Mims will see Pernell Motley tonight in coverage. And should Mims show out tonight, he could earn himself a Senior Bowl invite, if he has not already done so. NF
7:00 PM
Two Redbirds hailing from Illinois State had games that should only help their draft stock overall. Running back James Robinson, who I talked about last week, continues to be a game-changer on the Redbirds offense and had over 100 yards from scrimmage today, including six receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. There were some doubts about Robinson’s receiving ability, but he did it all in that facet today.
Their safety, Luther Kirk, also registered an interception today. Kirk is going to be a free safety in the NFL with his athleticism and range, and he has a fifth-round grade from me, largely due to his athleticism and ball skills. I would love to see Kirk get better as a tackler, but he is a ballhawk on the back end of that defense.
Both of these guys are going to be playing in the Shrine Game and that should help them solidify their draft stock as Day 3 draft picks. NF
6:50 PM
Iowa has a defensive back that no one is talking about but they should be and he showed why on those two straight plays. Geno Stone has played well this year for the Hawkeyes and his versatility allows him to have a great value on that defense. He can slide back and play in a Cover 2 scheme, he can play man coverage down in the slot, or he can be put in the box and play similarly to a linebacker due to his ability to play at the line and avoid traffic.
Stone has three forced fumbles and six interceptions during his time at Iowa, too. He is a playmaker and could be a riser to watch if he decides to come out after his junior season this year. NF
6:40 PM
Iowa QB Nathan Stanley is a fine college quarterback, but his NFL traits do not stand out on film. He takes costly sacks and his pocket presence and movement are two big problems. He misses too many open reads and his post-snap processing leaves a lot to be desired when the defense presents him with a different picture than they showed pre-snap.
Stanley very well might be at the Senior Bowl and could answer some doubts over the course of the week, but there are a lot of issues that will likely make scouts second guess his NFL potential. NF
6:30 PM
Clemson is running the score up on Wake Forest as they are currently winning 52-3 over the Demon Deacons. Tee Higgins has caught three touchdowns to bring his total up to eight touchdowns now on the year.
I highlighted him this morning in my film room piece and he has firmly gotten the better of Wake Forest corners Amari Henderson and Essang Bassey. Higgins continues to prove his ability to win in contested situations, now he just needs to improve as a route runner so he can separate more easily and then he truly can be a complete receiver. NF
6:20 PM
He has been on the draft radar for the past two years at this point, but Minnesota WR Tyler Johnson continues to prove that he is one of the better receivers in this upcoming class even though it is absolutely stacked.
Johnson’s career arc has been one of consistent improvement, and his route running, football IQ, and releases are just so much better than they were even last year. Johnson has a touchdown for 99 receiving yards today against Iowa and he continues to rise to every occasion that is asked of him. He should be drafted by the end of day two come April. NF
6:15 PM
Going back all the way to Thursday where Pitt picked up a big win over North Carolina, Pitt CB Dane Jackson is a name to watch moving forward. Jackson has been great this year for the Panthers and has been the definition of ‘lockdown’. 11 pass deflections is a number that is nearly matching his total of 14 from last year when he is on pace to have significantly fewer targets at him.
Jackson made a great play on a fade in overtime and it looks like the NFL is catching on as well, as Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy did mention him earlier today. It could see Jackson to Mobile in two months if he continues to show out for the Panthers. NF
6:05 PM
It is another week and another impressive game for Georgia RB D’Andre Swift. Swift’s lateral agility and vision are fantastic. Easily his two best traits overall, but that does mean his burst or contact balance lag behind nor does his receiving ability. Swift is a true three-down running back and is my top-rated running back in the 2020 running back class.
His 11 rushes for 85 yards have been impactful for Georgia already on the day as they hold a 14-0 lead over Auburn early in the third quarter. He has already showcased his ability to create yards for himself, including with his well-known ‘dead leg’ move and a spin move that sprung him for ten yards. He is proving that he is what he was hyped up to be. NF
5:55 PM
Jordan Love is just about the most stereotypical Jordan Love he could have had today against Wyoming. He is firing some errant passes with mental lapses, hence why he already had two unfortunate interceptions. However, he also has thrown for two touchdowns today that were absolute lasers between two defenders.
They were the definition of a ‘dime’ and that arm talent and ability to make magic happen is why so many people love Jordan Love. He is going to be a divisive prospect, but if he can get the consistency in his mental game, he could have an extremely high ceiling. NF
5:44 PM
Here’s a quick update on one of the most unfortunate and enthralling developments of the day: Tua Tagovailoa was rushed to the hospital for surgery after his hip injury sustained against the Ole Miss Rebels earlier today. Tagovailoa suffered a hip fracture, with the potential for blood vessel tears present. There is an ever-increasing likelihood that his injury is season-ending. For now, all one can do is hope for smooth surgery and a steady recovery after that. IC
5:30 PM
At the half, the Memphis Tigers lead the Houston Cougars by a score of 28 to 20, and a big reason why they’re up is the arm of quarterback Brady White. White helped Memphis take down the undefeated SMU Mustangs last week, and this week, he has over 200 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.
White was graded as a sixth-round prospect by Tony Pauline over the summer. He’s a developmental quarterback prospect, but he has an intriguing mix of arm talent and functional athleticism which he’s shown in flashes today. NFL teams with looming but not immediate transitions could be in the market for a late-round gem candidate like White. IC
4:55 PM
The Clemson offensive line has been showing Carlos Basham Jr. a ton of respect with double team blocks. When they don’t, Basham has found a way to get penetration, as we saw on that previous play. TP
4:40 PM
Here’s an update on a few small school prospects.
Last week, I mentioned cornerback Prince Robinson of Tarleton State, and this week, it’s another Prince getting notice in scouting circles – Prince Smith of New Hampshire. Not graded by scouts entering the season, Prince Smith finished with 8 tackles during today’s loss against Albany. For the season, he has 58 tackles, 3 INT’s and 6 PBU’s. I doubt Smith gets drafted, but he’s a PFA to keep an eye on who’ll be a solid dime back/special teams player at the next level.
Nasir Player of East Tennessee State was given a PFA grade by scouts and has played well in 2019. Thus far, he’s totaled 41 tackles, 12.5 TFL’s, 4.5 sacks, and 8 QBH’s this season. Player has excellent length at 6-foot-4-inches, as well as growth potential. I could see him making a practice squad next fall as teams try to develop his game. TP
4:30 PM
Like Essang Bassey of Wake Forest, who I mentioned earlier, Auburn’s Javaris Davis is another short cornerback who has limitations. But I like Davis better and have graded him as draftable since his sophomore season.
Davis is feisty, explosive and instinctive. He competes to break up throws and you have to love the way he stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks. He’s going to be a terrific last-day pick and will make a next-level roster as a dime back used in zone coverage, backed off the line of scrimmage. TP
4:15 PM
Very impressed with the Georgia tackles in the early goings, as they are doing a terrific job creating a pocket and protecting Jake Fromm from the Auburn defensive line. Andrew Thomas looks stellar and I am impressed by the way Isaiah Wilson uses body positioning to seal defenders from the action, to make up for his lack of quick footwork. TP
4PM
It’s been a really poor season for Dana Holgorsen during his initial campaign with Houston. The offense is not nearly as explosive as many expected and production is down. Such is the case for the team’s top wide out, Marquez Stevenson, who I graded as a PFA over the summer.
Stevenson’s reception numbers were less than half from a year ago coming into this afternoon’s game against Memphis, and yet, he’s displaying himself to be the big play threat I described him as over the summer. He’s averaging 18.5 yards on 33 receptions this season, and in the early goings against the Tigers, Stevenson has caught two passes for 62 yards. TP
3:47 PM
Georgia-Auburn is the longest standing rivalry in the SEC; remember, it’s a border war. And expect a big war on the line of scrimmage today, pitting some terrific next level prospects against one another.
The Bulldogs offensive tackle duo of Andrew Thomas, presently graded as a top five pick on my board, and Isaiah Wilson, ranked as a potential first round choice, face off against Marlon Davidson, Big Kat Bryant, and Nick Coe of Auburn.
Davidson is in the middle of a terrific senior season and grades as a top 75 choice. The other two are late-round picks. It will be interesting to see if Auburn lines up Derrick Brown on the edge at all.
Here’s my board for the game. TP
Georgia vs Auburn |
||||||
Grade | Rnd | Full Name | School | Pos | # | Yr |
4.29 | 1st | Andrew Thomas | Georgia | T | 71 | 3Jr |
4.28 | 1st | Derrick Brown | Auburn | DT | 5 | 4Sr |
4.13 | 1st | D’Andre Swift | Georgia | RB | 7 | 3Jr |
3.99 | 1-2 | Isaiah Wilson | Georgia | T | 79 | 3So |
3.96 | 1-2 | Prince Tega Wanogho | Auburn | T | 76 | 5Sr |
3.82 | 2nd | Marlon Davidson | Auburn | DE | 3 | 4Sr |
3.75 | 3rd | Jake Fromm | Georgia | QB | 11 | 3Jr |
3.55 | 4th | Jack Driscoll | Auburn | T | 71 | 5Sr |
3.54 | 4th | Richard LeCounte | Georgia | S | 2 | 3Jr |
3.53 | 4th | Noah Igbinoghene | Auburn | CB | 4 | 3Jr |
3.50 | 4th | J.R. Reed | Georgia | S | 20 | 5Sr |
3.49 | 5th | Jeremiah Dinson | Auburn | S | 20 | 5Sr |
3.45 | 6th | Nick Coe | Auburn | DE | 91 | 4Jr |
3.43 | 5th | Javaris Davis | Auburn | CB | 13 | 5Sr |
3.38 | 6th | Solomon Kindley | Georgia | G | 66 | 4Jr |
3.35 | 6th | Mike Horton | Auburn | G | 64 | 5Sr |
3.35 | 6th | Daniel Thomas | Auburn | S | 24 | 4Sr |
3.34 | 6th | Big Kat Bryant | Auburn | DE | 1 | 3Jr |
3.33 | 6th | Charlie Woerner | Georgia | TE | 89 | 4Sr |
3.28 | 7th | Rodrigo Blankenship | Georgia | PK | 98 | 5Sr |
3.20 | FA | Monty Rice | Georgia | OLB | 32 | 3Jr |
3.18 | FA | Tyler Clark | Georgia | DT | 52 | 4Sr |
3.13 | FA | Jeremiah Holloman | Georgia | WR | 9 | 3Jr |
3.12 | FA | Sal Cannella | Auburn | TE | 80 | 4Sr |
3.11 | FA | Lawrence Cager | Georgia | WR | 15 | 5Sr |
3.11 | FA | Marquel Harrell | Auburn | G | 77 | 5Sr |
3.08 | FA | Jordyn Peters | Auburn | CB | 15 | 3Jr |
3.07 | FA | David Marshall | Georgia | DT | 51 | 4Sr |
3.05 | FA | Brian Herrien | Georgia | RB | 35 | 4Sr |
3.05 | FA | Malik Herring | Georgia | DE | 10 | 3Jr |
3.04 | FA | Tyler Simmons | Georgia | WR | 87 | 4Sr |
3.02 | FA | Tyrique McGhee | Georgia | CB | 26 | 4Sr |
3.00 | FA | Julian Rochester | Georgia | DT | 5 | 4Sr |
3.00 | FA | K.J. Britt | Auburn | ILB | 33 | 3Jr |
2.94 | FA | Tae Crowder | Georgia | ILB | 30 | 5Sr |
2.85 | FA | Will Hastings | Auburn | WR | 33 | 5Sr |
2.80 | FA | Kaleb Kim | Auburn | C | 54 | 4Sr |
2.73 | FA | Kam Martin | Auburn | RB | 9 | 4Sr |
3:45 PM
Some scouts graded Wake Forest cornerback Essang Bassey as a second-round pick but you just saw the problem on that touchdown pass – size. Specifically height limitations.
Bassey measures under 5-feet-9-inches and has scheme limitations. While he gives effort, he always struggles against bigger receivers who are able to box him out. TP
3:35 PM
Wake Forest took a big hit last week, losing on the scoreboard to Virginia Tech, as well as losing redshirt sophomore Sage Surrat for the season to injury. This is a bounce-back game for Jamie Newman, the Demon Deacons quarterback who is building a lot of buzz around himself in the scouting community.
Newman still has weapons at his disposal and his ability to move the Wake Forest offense against a talented Clemson defense. TP
3:24 PM
I have to wonder what Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke’s draft stock looks like after a disastrous last two seasons. Granted, the Michigan State coaching staff has been highly questionable and the team has suffered because of it, but Lewerke just looks lost. He was out-dueled by Michigan’s Shea Patterson today. If he goes down to the Senior Bowl, he can help alleviate some concerns there. AJ
3:18 PM
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor is one of my personal favorite players in this upcoming NFL Draft. He just broke Herschel Walker’s record for most rushing yards in a player’s first three seasons, and tied Ron Dayne’s record for most 200-yard games. He’s come a long way this season, especially in the passing game, and I could definitely see him going in the first round come April. AJ
3:07 PM
TCU-Texas Tech has been an entertaining battle, with several prospects in this one. TCU has two senior running backs in Darius Anderson and Sewo Olonilua who are both talented, but likely Day 3 runners. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor is a dynamic athlete who could end up going in early in Day 2. TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock was a Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, but lost a season last year with an injury. He’s had a great year and his quickness and motor are showing up in this game. TCU CB Jeff Gladney has gotten some first-round hype, but has been ejected for targeting.
Texas Tech has some defensive talent this year as well. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks has had a standout senior season, and safety Douglas Coleman III is an athletic, rangy player who has played at safety and corner. They haven’t had a defensive player drafted outside of the seventh round since 2010, but that could change this season. AJ
2:55 PM
You have to love the resiliency of the Indiana Hoosiers. They have several next-level pass catchers who, while they won’t be early-round picks, will end up as last day selections or PFA’s who contribute for an NFL team.
Receiver Nick Westbrook is a big-bodied receiver who times relatively well, displays dependable hands and does a great job blocking downfield. His production has been down this season but Westbrook does the little things well and could be a fine receiver at the next level.
Redshirt sophomore Peyton Hendershot is really developing a complete game at tight end and must be put on the scouting radar. TP
2:45 PM
Again we go back to the Big Ten for talk of a next-level center.
Hunter Littlejohn of Indiana was not graded by scouts coming into the season but I’ve seen enough ability from him the past two years to give the senior a PFA grade. He’s not the greatest athlete or the most nimble blocker but gets the most from his ability and can make a next-level depth chart as a back-up.
His linemate Simon Stepaniak has terrific size, toughness and the ability to line up at center or guard. He should get late-round consideration. TP
2:25 PM
I would be remiss if I did not mention the performance of Marshall receiver Obi Obialo during last night’s victory over Louisiana Tech. The senior posted eight receptions for 146 yards against a talented LA Tech secondary. It was Obialo’s first game of the season as he’d been on the sidelines since suffering an injury during August camp.
Coming into the season Obialo was graded as a PFA/late-round pick by scouts but he’ll have a decision to make in a month. With just two games left on the schedule Obialo, a fourth-year senior will have the opportunity to return for another season with Marshall if he so chooses. TP
2:10 PM
While I’ve posted a lot about Cesar Ruiz multiple times over the past few weeks and mentioned some scouts believe he’s the top center prospect in the nation. I still prefer Tyler Biadasz and that 11-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Taylor proved why.
Biadasz quickly got to the second level and easily moved Nebraska linebacker Mo Barry, the teams top next-level prospect, from the action. He’s a great zone blocking center who will only get better as he physically matures and gets stronger. TP
2 PM
Wisconsin’s Zack Baun is possibly the most underrated linebacker in the Big Ten if not the most miscast prospect at his position in the nation. He is a space linebacker out of position on the outside in the Badgers 3-4 alignment. Even with that Braun is making his presence felt- today in the first half of the Nebraska game he’s posted three tackles, two TFL’s and two sacks. Braun is going to be a last day steal next April. TP
1:20 PM
I continue to be impressed with Jonathan Greenard’s development. He is really progressing into a complete player and more than just an edge rusher. His fundamentals, hand technique and wherewithal are appealing. He was equally impressive in Week 6 when we discussed some risers and fallers for the 2020 NFL draft. TP
1:15 PM
Michigan right guard Michael Onwenu is another Wolverine blocker to keep an eye on. He is a massive lineman (tipped the scales at 370 lbs during junior timing day) who moves relatively well on his feet. He’s strong but also shows a good degree of agility.
I gave Onwenu fifth-round grades entering the season and he has enough ability to play at the next level if gets into shape. Onwenu accepted an invitation to play in the Shrine Game in January. TP
1:10 PM
Nittany Lions receiver KJ Hamler has two receptions for 52 yards after the first quarter in the Big Ten battle against Indiana. I’ve reported numerous times that Hamler, an explosive receiver, is expected to enter the draft once the season ends. I’ve also been told by a number of league insiders and scouts Hamler could end up in the first round next April. TP
1:00 PM
I’ve spoken at length about Michigan center Cesar Ruiz and how highly the junior is thought of in the scouting community. The same can be said, but to a lesser extent, about his teammate Ben Bredeson.
Bredeson was graded anywhere between a seventh-to-fourth round pick by scouts before the season while I stamped him as a sixth-round prospect. Presently, I am hearing a potential second-day grade on Bredeson, who will be playing in the Senior Bowl.
Bredeson displayed his dominance in that last scoring drive at the Wolverine offense pushed the Michigan State defense down the field. TP
12:45 PM
If you’re watching the MSU against Michigan game, keep an eye on Spartans cornerback Josiah Scott as he goes up against the Wolverines trio of receivers. I continue to hear and was told as late as last week, Scott will enter the draft once the season is over. TP
12:30 PM
Watching the Florida against Missouri game, the play of Jonathan Greenard is very impressive when he stands over tackle. He shows terrific balance, movement skills and gets a lot of pressure up the field. Often times college pass rushers struggle transitioning from a three-point stance to standing over tackle. Among the many issues he had, Jachai Polite showed virtually no pass rush skill trying to make the switch. TP
12:10 PM
Tulane is having a terrific season. The Green Wave are bowl eligible and will be playing in the postseason. They have several pro-prospects who scouts are watching including three on their way up draft boards.
Cornerback Thakarius Keyes has likely secured a spot in the late rounds while running back Corey Dauphine and center Christian Montano will be priority free agents after being graded as camp fodder coming into the season.
The game against Temple offers all kinds of match-ups for the trio which must be watched. TP
11:30 AM
There are some terrific match-ups to watch starting with the Noon kick-offs.
Mississippi State should be no match for Alabama, who I expect to avenge last Saturday’s loss to LSU. Don’t forget that they also may feel like they have something to prove after being ranked fifth in the College Football Playoff rankings. But Bulldogs cornerback Cameron Dantzler, who I reported several weeks ago is expected to enter the draft, will have his hands full with the talented group of receivers fielded by the Crimson Tide.
Most expect Bama receivers Jerry Jeudy as well as Henry Ruggs III to enter the draft and sources tell me DeVonta Smith will also take his game to the next level. For other updates regarding underclassmen who may be entering the NFL Draft, be sure to check out our running list of possible declarations.
Staying on the receiver front and moving into the Big Ten, Dan Chisena of Penn State is getting a lot of looks in the scouting community. The senior is a track guy that’s only caught three passes this season but goes 6-feet-2-inches, 205 pounds and is expected to run in the 4.3’s during pre-draft workouts. The 8-1 Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the 7-2 Indiana Hoosiers at 12:00 Noon EST.
The Missouri vs. Florida game should be lopsided in favor of UF but features underrated offensive tackle Yasir Durant of the Tigers trying to stop the Gators duo of Jon Greenard and Jabari Zuniga.
It’s been an awful season for Michigan State but a victory over Michigan today would heal a lot of wounds. I’ll be watching the Wolverines interior offensive line of Michael Onwenu, Ben Bredeson, and Cesar Ruiz (whom I mentioned as a Week 9 Riser) facing off against the Spartans trio of Raequan Williams, Naquan Jones and Jacub Panasiuk.