Another week of college football has gone by, and with that there are many more draft risers and fallers. Many players across the country deserve to go on one of these lists, but I could only pick three each. We have an absolutely loaded upcoming weekend with many big games, including one we’ve all been looking forward to for weeks.
Draft Risers:
1. Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky:
We all know about last year’s Josh Allen, but this year’s Josh Allen might be even better in his respective position. He is one of the biggest risers in all of college football this season, and it’s not hard to see why. Kentucky has unleashed Allen this year, shifting him from more of a traditional linebacker into an edge rusher. And Allen is rewarding Kentucky and draft scouts with elite pass rushing skills and heavy pressure on quarterbacks all year long. Edge rushers are always a priority in the draft, and Allen will likely be one of the first taken.
2. Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State:
Harmon has put together a nice season this year, so far totaling 46 catches, 794 yards, and 4 touchdowns. He has the potential to become a number one receiver in the NFL and due to him not being looked at on the same level as some guys in this class, he could be a big steal in the second round. Harmon has a great combination of size and speed which allows him to dominate most match-ups. I expect his name to be a lot more talked about the closer we get to the draft.
3. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State:
This wide receiver class is turning out to be much different than most anticipated before the season started, and Hakeem Butler is a big reason why. He’s a big receiver, standing at 6’5” and 220 pounds, who is very adept at running after the catch. Butler can win at the point of attack over most corners in college football. He won’t kill anyone with speed, but the rest of his traits make up a receiver that is shooting in draft boards.
Draft Fallers:
1. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri:
Drew Lock sees this list for the second time this year. Many saw him as a sure-fire first round pick in the upcoming draft before the season started, and now I’m not sure when we will hear his name called. Lock had many traits that needed work over the summer and I assumed they would be corrected; clearly I was wrong. Lock does not look like an NFL caliber quarterback, often throwing off his back foot and he’s been wildly inaccurate. I hope Lock can end up turning things around, either this year or in the NFL, but I don’t expect him to be a high pick.
2. J.R. Reed, S, Georgia:
Reed has been one of my favorite players this year, and in some ways he still is, but some of his faults have been exposed the past few weeks. He is a downhill safety who loves to come in and lay the big hit, which is a great attribute in today’s NFL. However, his coverage skills and ball skills have much to be desired. He’s gotten beat deep several times this year and he’s had a tough time locating the ball. This isn’t a huge fall for Reed, but it will push him far enough down to where there is concern. Reed is looking like a Day Two prospect at this time.
3. Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan:
I hate putting players on this list due to injury, but Gary’s injury isn’t a simple one. He is somewhere between Trey Adams and Nick Bosa in regard to his injury. Adams’ draft stock has dropped dramatically whereas Bosa’s won’t be affected at all. Gary has seen a bit of a dip due to his injury getting worse since the season started and many other players showing great improvement. I hope Gary can get back on the field soon, his tape last year showed a dominant player and I was looking forward to watching him this year. He is a fringe first rounder at this point, depending on a return this season or not.
Small School Prospect Spotlight:
Nate Davis, OT, Charlotte:
Davis wasn’t highly looked at before the season started, but he’s getting a lot of attention now. Davis is a big man with a nasty side to him. He has good feet and is strong at the point of attack. He might be asked to move inside to guard at the next level, but he can succeed at either position. Davis will be a late-rounder in April, but he could end up being a sleeper.
Big Match-Ups This Weekend:
1. Alabama vs LSU:
Here it is, the most anticipated game of the season so far. Both teams are so good and loaded with talent that if you are any kind of draft fan, this is an absolute must-watch game. Unfortunately, we will be deprived of LSU linebacker Devin White for the first half due to a targeting call in LSU’s last game, but this game will still be competitive. Alabama will look to continue their dominance led by offensive tackle Jonah Williams, defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Raekwon Davis, safety Deionte Thompson, running back Damien Harris, linebacker Mack Wilson, and tight end Irv Smith. LSU will try for the upset with aforementioned linebacker Devin White, cornerback Greedy Williams, safety Grant Delpit, and running back Nick Brosette.
2. Michigan vs Penn State:
The Big Ten conference has many good rivalries and this one is towards the top. Michigan appears to have the better team, but Penn State’s stadium is hard to play in on the road. Penn State will try to protect their home led by running back Miles Sanders, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, wide receivers DeAndre Thompkins and Juwan Johnson, defensive lineman Shareef Miller, and quarterback Trace McSorley. Michigan will look to continue their streak towards the playoffs with defensive lineman Rashan Gary, linebacker Devin Bush, EDGE Chase Winovich, running back Karan Higdon, and cornerback Lavert Hill.
3. Georgia vs Kentucky:
The third big match-up of many this weekend pits a great Georgia team against a surprising Kentucky team that is on fire. Georgia is one of the most talented teams in the nation with one of the largest draft prospect classes in the country, which displays cornerback Deandre Baker, defensive linemen D’Andre Walker, Jonathan Ledbetter, and Tyler Clark, and safety J.R. Reed. Kentucky will fight for another upset victory, led by EDGE Josh Allen, linebacker Jordan Jones, safeties Mike Edwards and Darius West, and cornerback Derrick Baity.