While the 2025 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that 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 2.
1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas Longhorns
Ewers has been a draft prospect for a few years now. He decided to return to Texas for the 2024 season and did well in week 1. Ewers passed for 260 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against Colorado State.
This week he will be tasked with going up against Michigan’s defense on the road. Ewers needs to play more consistently this season in a few areas. His accuracy can come and go, specifically on deep balls. He does have good arm strength and can step up in the pocket to find receivers at all levels. Ewers can fix his footwork and could have better touch. A good game against Michigan could help improve his stock.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Wolverines
Johnson is already known as one of the best cornerbacks in the class if not the best. He helped Michigan win in week 1 against Fresno State with some impact plays. He had three tackles, a pass defended, an interception and a touchdown. Going up against a Texas team with a lot of weapons could be challenging.
The NFL will love Johnson’s athleticism and instincts. He showed good ball skills already this season and even takes it a step forward with his ability to take it back for a touchdown. There are times when he can get grabby and he hasn’t had the best ball production through his career, so he can still improve in some areas. A good game against Texas could cement himself as the top corner in the class.
3. Anthony Belton, OT, NC State Wolfpack
NC State won in week 1 against Western Carolina, but it was ugly. There were problems for the offense, but Belton played decently well. The starting left tackle has been at the position for two seasons and was third-team All-ACC last season.
This week Belton will be going up against a good Tennessee team that includes a good defensive line featuring James Pearce. He has great size and strength, which helps him anchor well. Belton has been a good pass blocker, in part due to his good footwork and hand usage. He lacks flexibility and needs to be more consistent. Good reps this week could help him go from a projected day-two pick to a higher pick.
4. James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee opened the season with a win over Chattanooga. They shut out the Mocs with the defensive line playing well. James Pearce had 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season, but failed to get to the quarterback in the season-opening game.
This week, Pearce will be going up against a talented offensive line, which gives him a chance to show off his skill. He is a great athlete who is able to bend around the edge well to get to the quarterback. His burst at the snap is great as well. Pearce can keep on working on his pass-rush moves to make them more effective.
5. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos
Boise State traveled to Georgia Southern in week 1 and defeated the Eagles. They put up a lot of points and a lot of them were a direct result of Jeanty’s good play. He finished the game with a whopping 260 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The task will be tougher for Jeanty this week, as the Broncos play Oregon. He is well-built for his size at 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds. Jeanty has great quickness and elusiveness, while he is also a solid receiver out of the backfield. He can continue to work on his pass protection and his breakaway speed falls a tick short of elite levels. Jeanty looks like he could be the first running back taken in the 2025 NFL Draft and a good game against Oregon could help make that come true.
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