Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2017 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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Western Michigan vs. Ball State; Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8:00 PM ESPN2
If you are a draft fanatic like myself, you might watch this game on Tuesday night. There is one player worth watching in Western Michigan senior wide receiver Corey Davis. Sources said Davis had received a second-day grade before deciding to return for his senior year. Davis should be end up going in the second or third round of the 2017 NFL Draft next April. He is has deceptive quickness with excellent route-running and hands. Davis could be a steal for his NFL team.
Michigan State vs. Illinois; Saturday, Nov. 5, 12:00 PM ESPNN
Both teams are having rough seasons, but this game features three potential first-round picks on the defensive line. Michigan State’s Malik McDowell could be the first one selected as he has a top-10 skill set and should go in the top 20 if he enters the 2017 NFL Draft. Sources say that Illinois defensive end Duwuane Smoot is a mid- to late first-round pick. Illini speed rusher Carroll Phillips is another potential first-rounder to keep an eye on. Some teams like Phillips more than Smoot.
Florida vs. Arkansas; Saturday, Nov. 5, 3:30 PM CBS
There are some good draft matchups in this game. Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle could be a second-day pick, and he should be a nice test for Gators safety Marcus Maye, linebacker Jarrad Davis and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Each member of that trio of Florida defenders could an early round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Gators also have talented young edge rushers who will test Arkansas left tackle Dan Skipper, a potential starting right tackle in the NFL.
Florida junior cornerbacks Jalen ‘Teez’ Tabor and Quincy Wilson are first-round talents enjoying excellent seasons. Arkansas edge rusher Deatrich Wise Jr. is another prospect to keep an eye on.
Washington vs. California; Saturday, Nov. 5, 12:00 PM ABC
California quarterback Davis Webb is a second-day prospect who will see a good test from a tough Washington team with NFL defensive backs. Webb also will challenge Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones and safety Budda Baker. Both defensive backs could be early round picks if they enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Jones has been especially good this year and could be a Thursday night selection next April.
Alabama vs. LSU; Saturday, Nov. 5, 8:00 PM CBS
After missing two games, Tigers star running back Leonard Fournette came back with a vengeance as he set the LSU single-game rushing mark with 284 yards against Ole Miss. Alabama has a defense loaded with NFL talent that will challenge Fournette. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen is a future top-10 pick. There could be a good battle in the trenches with LSU center Ethan Pocic going against Allen. Alabama edge rusher Tim Williams, linebacker Reuben Foster and cornerback Marlon Humphrey could all be first-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. Outside linebacker Ryan Anderson is having a superb season and could be an early rounder as well.
On the other side of the ball, there will be some excellent battles. LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is an early round talent who will be tested by a tough Crimson Tide ground game. Tigers cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jamal Adams are going to be tested by Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley and tight end O.J. Howard. LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith is having a strong season, and the Tigers need him to step up against Alabama.
One of the best draft matchups to watch in this game will be Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson being challenged by superstar sophomore Arden Key. Key is one of the nation’s leaders in sacks. The Tigers’ other defensive end, Lewis Neal, is another pro prospect. Robinson could help himself a lot by playing well against LSU.
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