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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Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M; Saturday, Nov. 12, 8:00 PM ESPN2
If you want to see some future NFL pass-rushers, this is a good game to watch. Texas A&M junior Myles Garrett is the favorite to be the top prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he could make this game miserable for Ole Miss playing without quarterback Chad Kelly. Fellow Texas A&M; defensive end Daeshon Hall also is a future draft pick. Ole Miss junior Marquis Haynes is a tremendous pass-rusher who will be selected in the early rounds of his draft class.
There is a great draft matchup in this game with Texas A&M safeties Justin Evans and Armani Watts being challenged by Mississippi tight end Evan Engram. Engram is one of the most dangerous receiving tight ends in the nation, so NFL evaluators will be eager to see how those safeties handle a mismatch like Engram.
LSU vs. Arkansas; Saturday, Nov. 12, 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 would help his draft stock if he can succeed against Tigers safety Jamal Adams and linebacker Kendell Beckwith. Adams looks like a future top-20 pick and is closing out the season playing really well. Beckwith could go on Day 2.
The Tigers also have talented young edge rushers who will test Arkansas left tackle Dan Skipper, a potential starting right tackle in the NFL. Lewis Neal and Arden Key will test Skipper’s ability to block speed rushers.
LSU cornerback Tre’Davious White will be called on to defend underrated Arkansas wide receiver Drew Morgan. Arkansas edge rusher Deatrich Wise Jr. and LSU center Ethan Pocic are other prospects to keep an eye on.
Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State; Saturday, Nov. 12, 3:30 PM ABC
This game has two quarterback prospects to watch in the Red Raiders’ Pat Mahomes II and the Cowboys’ Mason Rudolph. Mahomes could be a second-day pick if he enters the 2017 NFL Draft, and Rudolph could also get mid-round consideration in the 2017 NFL Draft. Oklahoma State wide receiver James Washington and defensive tackle Vincent Taylor are also prospects to watch.
USC vs. Washington; Saturday, Nov. 5, 7:30 PM FOX
Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is an early round talent who will test Huskies cornerback Sidney Jones. Both are potential Thursday night picks, and Washington safety Budda Baker is another defender who has NFL potential. Huskies wide receiver James Ross is a slot receiver candidate for the next level.
Michigan vs. Iowa; Saturday, Nov. 12, 8:00 PM FOX
There are some good defensive prospects in this game. Michigan safety/linebacker Jabrill Peppers is a great athlete that is a future first-round pick. Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis could be a second-day pick next April. Defensive end Chris Wormley is another early rounder.
Iowa cornerback Desmond King will be challenged by Michigan’s ground game and could be called on to help defend against tight end Jake Butt. King is a ballhawk and a good tackler. He also makes big plays on special teams, and Iowa will need that to help upset the Wolverines.
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