While the 2023 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players who will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 10.
1. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama has had a solid season up to this point, only losing one game. Their defense has really stepped up this year and that includes the pass rush. Dallas Turner has had a fantastic season for the Crimson Tide. He currently has 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Turner will be tasked with helping the Crimson Tide avenge one of their losses last season against LSU. The Tigers have a high-powered offense and Turner getting pressure on the quarterback could change the outcome of the game. Turner has active hands and is aggressive. He currently is projected to be an early to mid-first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2. Maason Smith, DL, LSU Tigers
LSU has two losses on the season, but still have a lot to play for down the stretch. Their team has had some defensive issues, but Maason Smith has been a bright spot on the interior. He has registered 15 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack on the season.
Alabama’s ability to run the ball will put Smith at the forefront of the matchup. He doesn’t need to show up in the box score to make an impact, but can create havoc and let his teammates rack up the tackles. Smith has shown good gap integrity, but needs to keep his pad level low to be most impactful. He is projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
3. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson Tigers
Clemson has had a rough season, as they are 4-4, which is not good by their standards. The offense has had issues, but their defense has been solid. Nate Wiggins has been one of the best corners in college football this season. He has 13 total tackles, one interception and four passes defended this season.
The Tigers have a tough matchup against Notre Dame, who have a much improved passing attack this season. Wiggins could help the Tigers shut down the passing game and give them a chance to win. He has matched up well all season well and can do so in this game. Wiggins is currently projected to be a first-round pick.
4. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers is playing good football this season, as they sit at 6-2. Their defense has played extremely well this season, allowing just 15.8 points per game. Max Melton, their top defensive player has been a star. Melton has registered 21 total tackles, one sack, one interception and five passes defended.
The Scarlet Knights will have some of the spotlight this week as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State hasn’t exactly lived up to their preseason expectations offensively, but they do have plenty of talented wide receivers to match up with. If Melton plays well, his stock could really improve. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
5. Cooper Beebe, OG/C, Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State has had their ups and downs this season, but currently sit at 6-2. Their offense has changed quarterbacks back and forth, but the good thing is that they have a solid offensive lineman in front of them. Cooper Beebe is one of the best offensive linemen in the country and has played well this season.
In week 10, Beebe and the Wildcats will take on the Texas Longhorns. If he can continue showing he will finish plays in the running game and protect the quarterback Kansas State could have a chance to win. He also could improve his draft stock, but he already is one of, if not the best interior linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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