While the 2022 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 1 recap.
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1. D’Eriq King, QB, Miami Hurricanes
Miami did not have a fun time in week 1, losing to Alabama 44-13. It wasn’t a great showing and showed Alabama’s might. King did not have his best day, but it wasn’t entirely his fault. He was consistently under siege, but finished 23/31 for 178 yards and one touchdown. King threw two interceptions and only rushed for 10 yards.
The game won’t help King’s draft stock any, as he didn’t really get to show that he was improved as a passer. King is an older player in the class who has dealt with injuries. A position change could be in his future because he is a good athlete. He’ll need to play dramatically well to get more looks as a possible NFL quarterback.
2. Jordan Battle, S, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s defense looks like they will be entirely dominant again. They completely shut down the Miami offense, which was projected to be decent this season. The Crimson Tide held Miami just to 13 points. Even though Battle didn’t have a huge day stats-wise with just five tackles, he filled his role well.
With Alabama’s good schedule, Battle will have plenty of time to have bigger games. The safety class has Kyle Hamilton at the top, but there will be plenty of players fighting for the second spot on the list. Battle played solidly, but can really help his stock by making impact plays in future big games.
3. JT Daniels, QB, Georgia Bulldogs
On a weekend where several of the projected top quarterbacks of the 2022 class struggled, Daniels got his team at the very least. Daniels finished the game 22/30 passing for 135 yards and one interception. It by no means was a great performance, but he was able to lead his team to a victory, which is the most important part for Georgia.
Daniels’ stock likely doesn’t improve with this performance, but it is a long season and Georgia plays in plenty of big games the rest of the season. He will have to prove he can complete passes down the field consistently, as he made a lot of check-down throws. There is still the possibility that Daniels plays his way into being a first-round pick.
4. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson Tigers
With Georgia defeating Clemson 10-3, both defenses stepped up and played well. Neither defense allowed a touchdown, as Georgia got in the end zone on a pick-six. Booth was a big part of the defensive performance for Clemson, as he had four tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass defended. He made a few key tackles showing his willingness to not only be good in coverage, but also to come up and play the run.
There are a few good corners at the top of the class in Derek Stingley, Kaiir Elam and Booth. Booth could be the first one selected if he continues to play this way. He wasn’t tested that often against Georgia and that may be a theme that other teams follow for the rest of the season.
5. Tyler Linderbaum, OG/C, Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa had one of the most impressive performances of the week, as they beat Indiana 34-6. The Hawkeyes played well in every facet of the game and, as is the usual case with Iowa, the offensive line helped set the tone. Linderbaum played well, helping running back Tyler Goodson get 99 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Even though Linderbaum did get injured at one point, he played well and returned. He was able to demonstrate his ability to get to the second level as a blocker, which freed things up for Goodson. His health will most likely check out and Linderbaum will have another big game for Iowa coming up against Iowa State.
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