Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft? This weekly column breaks down the best matchups to watch on Saturday and what players to watch.
By Charlie Campbell.
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Virginia Tech vs Duke Saturday, 12:00 ET ESPNU
This is one of the most important tapes of the year for Duke guard Laken Tomlinson. Tomlinson is a powerful run blocker, but he had issues in pass protection last year when taking on the Hokies and their speed rushers. Tomlinson will get a rematch, and it will be interesting to see if he has improved his ability to handle fast defenders. Virginia Tech lineman Dadi Nicolas and Luther Maddy will be a good test for Tomlinson, and if he performs well against them, that could really help his draft stock.
Duke also has a safety prospect to watch in junior Jeremy Cash. Virginia Tech senior safety Kyshoen Jarrett is a late-round prospect as well.
South Carolina vs Florida Saturday, 12:00 ET SEC
This is a critical game for South Carolina senior left tackle Corey Robinson. He has struggled with speed rushers in the past, and Florida 3-4 outside linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr is one of the best pass-rushers he’ll take on this season. Fowler’s run defense will be tested by the powerful Robinson and physical running back Mike Davis. The junior Davis can run by and through defenders, so NFL scouts will get to see how Fowler contends with a downhill rushing attack. He didn’t impress in that phase against Alabama earlier in the year, so it will be interesting to see if he shows improvement.
Mississippi State vs. Alabama 3:30 PM CBS
This is the game of the week, and the winner of it will have a firm hold on the SEC West and a spot in the college football playoff. Of course, there will be good NFL talent going head to head in this game. Mississippi State junior quarterback Dak Prescott is considering entering the 2015 NFL Draft, and a big game against Alabama could push him in that direction. Prescott’s ability to beat defenses with his arm or legs will test Alabama junior safety Landon Collins, the top safety prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft and a likely top-20 pick.
Mississippi State also has a coveted defensive prospect in inside linebacker Bernardrick McKinney. A number of NFL teams are hot for McKinney, and he’ll have to put his run defense on display against a Crimson Tide running offense that has a stable of talented backs. Alabama junior running back T.J. Yeldon injured his ankle against LSU, but is expected to play against the Bulldogs. McKinney will need to lead the way to shutting Yeldon and Derrick Henry down.
The prospect who will probably be drafted first from either team is Alabama junior wide out Amari Cooper, a potential top-10 pick. Cooper had a number of dropped passes against LSU, so he’ll be looking to have a bounce-back performance against Mississippi State’s talented defense.
Nebraska vs. Wisconsin 3:30 ABC
This game features one of the best defensive prospects in the nation with Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory taking on one of the top offensive play-makers in Badgers running back Melvin Gordon. Gregory is dynamic edge rusher, but his run defense will be tested by Wisconsin. Gordon has also shown a willingness to block in pass protection, and the Badgers will definitely have Gordon chipping Gregory to keep him from making big plays in Wisconsin’s backfield.
Utah vs. Stanford 6:00 PM Pac-12 Network
This game features a great draft matchup with Stanford junior left tackle Andrus Peat going against one of the best pass-rushers in college football in Utah’s Nate Orchard. Peat is the favorite to be the top tackle prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft, while Orchard has serious speed off the edge. If Peat can shut down Orchard, or Orchard has his way with Peat, that could have a real impact on the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Auburn vs Georgia 7:15 PM ESPN
It will be fun to watch the return of Todd Gurley. The corrupt and tyrannical NCAA had Gurley suspended for four games for something Johnny Manziel was suspended for two quarters. At any rate, the suspension actually helps Gurley’s draft hopes because it saved him from injuries and wear-and-tear, plus sources at numerous NFL teams said the suspension won’t hurt Gurley’s draft grade at all. Auburn’s defense is led by a quality linebacker Kris Frost, and if he plays well against Gurley, that should help Frost’s draft stock.
Auburn wide receiver Duke Williams is expected to miss this game, but Sammie Coates will be playing for the Tigers. Coates is a talented wideout, but he doesn’t see a lot of opportunities.
Missouri vs Texas A&M 7:30 ET SEC
Some pumped up Texas A&M offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi as a top-five prospect heading into 2014, but he was exposed in the month of October as he gave up six sacks and ton of pressure in games against Mississippi State, Alabama and Ole Miss. Ogbuehi was moved back to right tackle last week against Auburn and looked a lot better. His pass protection will be put to the test by Missouri’s dynamic duo of Shane Ray and Markus Golden. Ray is one of the most productive pass-rushers in the nation and is lightning fast off the edge. Golden is excellent as well and could also get first-round consideration. He will probably matchup against Ogbuehi the most. This is a critical game for the draft stock of Ogbuehi.
Florida State vs Miami 8:00 ET ABC
This old rivalry isn’t what it once was, but there will still be good NFL matchups in this game. Miami running back Duke Johnson has been red hot lately, and Florida State’s defense has been a big disappointment this year. Seminole defensive tackles of Mario Edwards, Jr and Eddie Goldman will have to keep the speedy Johnson from getting into the second level. If Florida State doesn’t contain Johnson, Miami could pull off an upset.
On the others side of the ball, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston should be able to move the ball on Miami. Linebacker Denzel Perryman is a potential first-round pick, and the Hurricanes will need a big game from him to have a shot. Perryman can show his pass-coverage skills by lining up on Seminoles senior tight end Nick O’Leary, a potential second-round pick.
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