2021 NFL Draft Prospect Matchup Preview – Week 3

Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft? This weekly column breaks down the best matchups to watch each week in college football.

By Charlie Campbell.
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Houston vs. Memphis; Friday, Sept. 18, 7:30 PM ET ESPN
The Prospects:

Houston WR Marques Stevenson, No.5
Memphis WR Damonte Coxie, No.10

The Matchups: Unfortunately, Memphis running back Kenny Gainwell is sitting out the 2020 season, and that takes away the top prospect for this game. Thus, Houston’s Stevenson is the top player to watch, as he enters the 2020 season with second-day potential for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Stevenson is a similar to receiver to Baltimore Ravens speedster Marquise Brown, but Stevenson may not be quite as good. Stevenson could rise with a big season though. With the loss of Gainwell to go along with other receivers moving on to the NFL in the 2020 NFL Draft, Coxie could take on a bigger role for Memphis this fall. He is more of a late-round or third-day pick.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh; Saturday, Sept. 19, 12:00 PM ET ACCN
The Prospects:

Syracuse S Andre Cisco, No. 7
Syracuse CB Trill Williams, No.6
Pittsburgh S Paris Ford, No. 12
Pittsburgh DE Rashad Weaver, No. 17
Pittsburgh C Jimmy Morrissey, No. 67

The Matchups: NFL teams that are interested in taking a safety in the first or second round will be watching this tape repeatedly in the months to come. Cisco and Ford both have early-round potential. They are fast, physical and have ball skills. Cisco notched his 13th career interception in the season opener. Weaver and Morrissey are quality prospects as well.

Miami vs. Louisville; Monday, Sept. 19, 7:30 PM ET ABC
The Prospects:

Miami EDGE Quincy Roche, No. 16
Miami TE Brevin Jordan, No. 16
Louisville WR Chatarius Atwell, No. 79
Louisville WR Dez Fitzpatrick, No. 79
Louisville RB Javian Hawkins, No. 79

The Matchups: With Gregory Rousseau opting out of the 2020 season, Roche will lose out on some single-block opportunities this year, but he has been a consistent quarterback hunter during his collegiate career. Jordan looks to keep the tradition alive at ‘tight end U,’ and he could rise as a junior if Miami can get him the ball consistently. Atwell and Fitzpatrick are receivers to watch, while Hawkins has some ability as a runner.

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