Want to get to know the draft prospects for the 2016 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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Miami vs. Pittsburgh; Friday, Nov. 27, 12:00 PM ABC
This game will feature a tough test for Miami safety Deon Bush. Pittsburgh wide receiver Tyler Boyd challenges safeties in pass coverage and as a runner. If Bush can display coverage skills against Boyd, that could help the former’s draft grade significantly. Boyd hasn’t had a big year statistically in large part because of the players around him, but Boyd needs strong performances to close out the year to have a shot at the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Missouri vs. Arkansas; Friday, Nov. 27, 2:30 PM CBS
Arkansas has one of the better guard prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft in Sebastian Tretola. Left tackle Denver Kirkland will probably move inside at the next level, but he also is an NFL prospect. They will see some good defenders with the Tigers. Recently, Missouri has been a factory for defensive-line prospects. Redshirt sophomore defensive end Charles Harris and defensive tackle Josh Augusta could be tough tests for the Arkansas duo.
Missouri linebacker Kentrell Brothers has been a tackling machine this year, and he will see a tough test in Arkansas junior running back Alex Collins and tight end Hunter Henry. Brothers could help his draft stock by shutting down Collins and showing coverage skills to match up on Henry. Henry could be the first tight end selected if he enters the 2016 NFL Draft.
Iowa vs. Nebraska; Friday, Nov. 27, 3:30 PM ABC
Iowa junior cornerback Desmond King has been tremendous this season with eight interceptions, 10 passes broken up and 54 tackles. He will see a test from a quality receiver in Nebraska wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp. Westerkamp has 61 receptions for 833 yards and seven touchdowns.
Ohio State vs Michigan; Saturday, Nov. 28, 12:00 PM ABC
Ohio State’s Joey Bosa will be playing in his last regular-season game. He is having a quality year even though his sack production is down. Ohio State will need him to step up against Michigan as the Wolverines could have success attacking the Buckeyes’ secondary. Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington also is a prospect to watch coming off an impressive game against Michigan State.
Michigan junior tight end Jake Butt is one of the top tight ends in the nation, and he will provide a real challenge to linebacker Darron Lee and safety Vonn Bell. Butt could be a second-day pick if he enters the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Wolverines have a tough defense that will be a good test for Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Michael Thomas and left tackle Taylor Decker. That trio could all be first-round picks in the 2016 NFL Draft. It would be great to see quarterback Cardale Jones against Michigan’s defense, but he’s now the backup behind J.T. Barrett.
Penn State vs Michigan State; Saturday, Nov. 28, 3:30 PM ABC
This game will feature two potential starting quarterbacks and early-round picks for the NFL. Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is a potential first-rounder, and after some rough seasons, Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg looks more like a second-day prospect. Both of signal-callers need to show more accuracy in their pocket passing, so it is vital that they finish the year strongly.
Both of them will have their ability to hold up against a pass rush put to the test. Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib has been on fire all season and leads the nation in sacks. He was injured against Michigan, but assuming he is back, he will go against a future NFL offensive lineman in Michigan State left tackle Jack Conklin. NFL teams feel that Conklin would be a better fit at right tackle or guard, but if he can shut down Nassib, that could help to change some minds.
Spartans edge rusher Shilique Calhoun could be a late first-rounder, and he could rack up a lot of sacks against Penn State to close out his collegiate career. The Nittany Lions’ offensive line is weak, while Hackenberg holds the ball too long and is a statue in the pocket. He needs to show better in that regard against Michigan State.
Florida State vs Florida; Saturday, Nov. 28, 7:30 PM ESPN
Florida has some future NFL defenders in linebacker Antonio Morrison, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard and safety Keanu Neal. They will all be tested by superstar running back Dalvin Cook. Each Gator will need to show his run-defense skills against a special back like Cook. Another special player to watch when the Seminoles have the ball is Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, who could be the top cornerback for the 2016 NFL Draft and a top-10 pick.
On the other side, Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey is another first-round talent. He will see some future NFL receivers in junior Demarcus Robinson and star freshman Antonio Callaway. They could be the best receivers who Ramsey has seen all year.
Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State; Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:00 PM FOX
There are three good pass-rushing prospects for the NFL on display in this game. The best of which is Cowboys junior defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. He has been one of the most consistent pass-rushers in college football and looks like a future first-round pick. Oklahoma defensive end Charles Tapper and outside linebacker Eric Striker are both having good seasons getting after the quarterback.
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been very clutch for the Sooners, and that should continue against Oklahoma State.
Notre Dame vs. Stanford; Saturday, Nov. 28, 7:30 PM FOX
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith could be the first non-pass-rushing linebacker selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. Smith has been a tremendous defender for the Fighting Irish, and he will see a great test in this matchup with Stanford. The Cardinal’s run game is led by play-making sophomore Christian McCaffrey, while the aerial attack features tight end Austin Hooper. Smith needs to show the coverage skills to defend athletic tight ends down the seam, and Hooper will give Smith that challenge.
Another good draft matchup will be Stanford guard Joshua Garnett going against Notre Dame defensive tackle Sheldon Day. Both could be selected in the top half of the 2016 NFL Draft, and Garnett’s ability to handle a speed rusher will be tested by Day. Conversely, Day will have to show the skills to hold his ground against a physical run blocker like Garnett.
Stanford senior quarterback Kevin Hogan is worth watching as a possible mid- or late-rounder. Another prospect he will go against is Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell, who has had an up-and-down season and needs a strong finish.
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